asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if it is a fact that a scheme for the erection of 156 houses in the Ennis Urban District Council area was sanctioned by him in 1938; that the loan for their erection was sanctioned and the mortgage deed executed and paid for; that the contractor was approved by him and his deeds signed; and that the scheme was subsequently abandoned; and if he will state why this step was taken and also the present position of the matter.
Ceisteanna. — Questions. Oral Answers. - Ennis Housing Scheme.
There was a scheme of 157 houses adopted by the Ennis Urban District Council and approved in 1936. A loan of approximately £49,000 based on the estimate of cost of the scheme had been applied for and was approved but when the tenders were sought it was found that if the contract was proceeded with on the basis of the lowest tender a supplementary loan of about £7,000 would be required. In view of this, and also because the financial position of the urban council was not satisfactory, final approval of the scheme was withheld. Out of a total rate of £14,679 for the year 1937-38 a sum of only £5,328 had been collected in November, 1937. The urban council had then made no payment to the Clare County Council in respect of their demand for the financial year, while a sum of £1,922 15s. 0d. was still due in respect of the previous financial year. The rates were 24/6 in the £.
Since 1940 the site has been utilised for the purpose of the allotments scheme in the urban district. The council have at present put forward a proposal to develop the site pending the final decision as to building. This matter is at present under consideration. The financial position has since improved and the rates are somewhat lower.