asked the Minister for Lands if he will state when it is proposed to proceed with the erection of cottages which were promised to tenants on the Mangan Estate at Boleybeg, Brannoxtown, County Kildare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cottages in Kildare Estate.
Mr. Boland
The Land Commission are making arrangements to have the buildings in question completed at an early date.
Is the Minister aware that he gave the same answer about six months ago to a somewhat similar question? Can he say what "an early date" means in relation to those statements?
Mr. Boland
If the Deputy were familiar with the circumstances, he would know that the contractor who undertook to build the houses was not able to continue, and there was a great lot of difficulty. Three different attempts were made to get the buildings proceeded with. I cannot say definitely how soon that can be done, but I believe they will be in a position to proceed at an early date. There was a breakdown definitely three times.
Can the Minister say whether a tender has now been received in reply to the last invitation for tenders?
Mr. Boland
I understand so. There were some tenders that were not accepted because I believe the people who tendered did not go on the site to see how much had to be done. Recently, more satisfactory tenders were submitted. That was one of the causes of the delay; two sets of tenders were rejected because all were too high and the people did not go on the site to see what job had to be done. The recent tenders were more satisfactory, and I think they will now be in a position to proceed.
Has one tender been accepted?
Mr. Boland
I think so.