asked the Minister for Lands whether he is yet in a position to indicate when the two houses and allotments of land on the Eivers estate at Parsonstown, Carbury, County Kildare, which have been unoccupied for over two years, will be allocated, and whether the allotment will be made to local residents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kildare Lands.
The investigation of this matter has not yet been completed, so it is not possible at present to state when or how the allotments will be made.
Am I to understand from the Minister that these houses are still vacant?
The position is that we are hoping that these lands may be disposed of this year, but I cannot definitely say that.
Here are two houses in an area in which there is a shortage of houses. They are State houses and have been idle for almost three years. Would the Minister say what national purpose is being served by action of that kind?
It is not through the desire of the Department, I can assure the Deputy, as he seems to believe, but through other circumstances, that we have that position.
It seems an extraordinary thing to do: to build two houses and then keep them idle for nearly three years, while you have many local people, some of them living in mud wall cabins, in insanitary conditions, clamouring for houses. Will the Minister take steps to ensure that these two vacant houses will be given to people who are badly in need of houses?