asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he will have inquiry made as to the need of houses in the Sneem and Tahilla areas, County Kerry, and if he is aware that in some cases houses have been condemned, and in other cases men and their families are living under wretched conditions in those areas, and if, under the circumstances, he will instruct the board of health to take the necessary steps of submitting to his Department schemes to meet the housing needs of those areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing in Kerry.
I am aware of the housing conditions in the Sneem and Tahilla districts and the need for providing new houses in these areas. The Deputy is aware that it was necessary to withhold sanction to housing schemes in County Kerry owing to the unsatisfactory position of the collection of the cottage rents. The position had improved somewhat at the end of September last and I informed the board that the prohibition on schemes in Cahirciveen and Castle-island was withdrawn. Since then, the arrears of rents have increased and further schemes will not be sanctioned until the position in regard to the collection of rents has considerably improved.