asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the number of unemployed persons in Balbriggan, County Dublin, at present, is considerable; and if he will state if there are any schemes for housing or sewerage or other works which might be undertaken to alleviate the distress of the district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Balbriggan.
I understand from the Department of Industry and Commerce that on the 25th May last 106 persons were registered as unemployed in Balbriggan town and 41 persons ill the Balbriggan rural area.
The commissioner for Dublin County Council is considering increasing certain work in connection with roads restoration, which will give extra employment. In addition a special roads rural employment allocation of £1,569 was notified to the county council on the 28th ultimo. The scheme under this allocation can take into consideration the unemployment position in the area.
A compulsory purchase order made by the Dublin County Council some time ago for the purpose of the Labourers Acts and on which I hope to issue my decision very shortly, provides for the acquisition of a total of some 12 acres of land in or in the neighbourhood of Balbriggan, on which it is proposed to erect 92 labourers' cottages. It is the intention of the Dublin County Commissioner to proceed with this housing scheme with all possible speed as far as the position with regard to supplies of building materials will permit and the scheme should yield a considerable amount of employment in Balbriggan and district.
There is a modern sewerage scheme in operation at Balbriggan with intercepting tank and outfall at the harbour. A new outfall is contemplated and investigations and tests in connection with it are in progress. The matter is, however, in a preliminary stage.