asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that five substantial houses on the road between Courtown Harbour and Riverchapel, County Wexford, have been vacant for the past 12 years; and whether, in view of the demand for housing accommodation in the area, he will state what steps have been taken or will be taken to make these houses available to the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing in County Wexford.
The question presumably refers to the old coastguard station cottages at Courtown Harbour. These houses are old, badly constructed and have inherent defects rendering them unsuitable for occupation as residences. Portion of the site on which they stand is required for State purposes, and it cannot be determined at present whether there will be any surplus.
In this particular area of Courtown Harbour, those five, fine stone buildings have been allowed to decay for the past 12 years while a great number of people in that area are living in very bad houses in Riverchapel. It has been noted in the public Press down there—The Record— that it is a public scandal and for some time letters have been sent to the Taoiseach drawing attention to it.
Has the Deputy any question to put on the matter?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary prepared to do anything with those houses? Only 18 cottages are to be built in the County Wexford during the coming year.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the houses in question were condemned by the county medical officer of health ten years ago as unfit for human habitation?