asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware of the widespread complaints regarding smoking chimneys in the cottages erected by the Kildare County Council; and that these cottages were passed by an inspector from his Department; and whether it is proposed taking any steps to remedy the complaints of smoke nuisance.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kildare Cottages.
I am aware that there have been complaints in recent years regarding smoking chimneys in cottages erected in Kildare County. The cottages erected by local authorities in expectation of subsidy from State funds are inspected by my Department's inspectors solely with a view to ensuring that the accommodation provided is in accordance with the approved plans and that materials used in the erection of the cottages conform with the standard specification. Official inspections can only be made from time to time during the erection of the cottages, and the main responsibility for ensuring that they are satisfactorily constructed in accordance with the approved plans rests with the local authority's architect or engineer in charge of the work and the duly appointed clerk of works who acts under him. The Deputy might, therefore, think of addressing his inquiries in this matter to the Kildare County Council.
Is the Minister for Local Government satisfied with the condition of those cottages, which is such that some of them are virtually uninhabitable because of smoke nuisance? When they light the fires the people have to open the doors and windows; otherwise they would be smoked out of the cottages. Surely that is a matter which ought to concern the Department of Local Government? Will the Minister cause some inquiries to be made into the matter with a view to applying a remedy? Efforts to have a remedy applied locally have not so far been successful.
As I have already indicated to the Deputy, the main responsibility lies with the owners of the cottages, who happen to be the Kildare County Council, and to that local authority the Deputy might address his inquiries.
Is the Minister aware that that condition of affairs is general—that the cottages are drawing more tears than smoke?
The question is particular, Deputy.