asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the rents of urban dwellings in Athlone urban area have been increased by as much as 7d. per week in some instances and 5d. in others; if he has sanctioned this increase, or if he will state the circumstances in which the increases have been made; if he is aware of the plight of many of the tenants owing to the destruction of the Woollen Mills; and whether, in the circumstances, he proposes to take steps to maintain the rents at the previous level until the economic situation in Athlone improves.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rents of Athlone Urban Dwellings.
A local authority which is the owner of small dwellings as in the present case is authorised by the Local Government (Rates on Small Dwellings) Act, 1928, to increase the rent of such dwellings by an amount corresponding to the rates assessed payable in respect of each such dwelling. I understand that this has been done in Athlone. The sanction of my Department is not required to any such increase, and I have, therefore, no power to act in the manner suggested in the latter part of the question.