asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (1) whether since 9th March last progress has been made in the erection of houses (a) in the Dún Laoghaire Borough, (b) in the Rathdown area; (2) whether he is aware of the appalling condition of the habitations in which several hundreds of families live, particularly in Dún Laoghaire Borough, Newtownpark, Stillorgan, Ballybrack, Windy Arbour, Ballyboden and Shankill; (3) whether he is satisfied that the Dublin County Council has taken adequate, or any, steps to ameliorate the privations of the families concerned in their areas; and (4) whether in order to provide decent living accommodation before the onset of next winter he will order the erection of pre-fabricated houses to supply the requirements of those families whose present dwellings are insufficient, insanitary and unhealthy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Housing Conditions.
Mr. Murphy
As regards the first part of the question, 83 houses under construction in Dún Laoghaire Borough will be completed by August. Tenders for the erection of 130 houses at Sallynoggin are being invited this week. In the South Dublin area, development of sites to accommodate 125 houses at Churchtown, Palmerstown, Crumlin and Ballyboden has commenced.
As regards the remaining parts of the question, I am aware of the urgent need for rehousing large numbers of families who live in insanitary dwellings but the Deputy will appreciate that the housing authorities' efforts have been hampered by serious difficulties. Materials and skilled labour are scarce; suitable sites are difficult to obtain and water and sewerage services are not available at some of the sites acquired.
As the Deputy is aware, I have appointed a Housing Consultative Council, and a Director of Housing for the whole of the Dublin area has been appointed with a view to ensuring that effective and expeditious action is taken towards the provision of houses in that area. The members of the council and the Director share my anxiety to adopt every possible line of action that may contribute effectively to accelerating the housing programme.
Would the Minister consider the appointment of at least one Parliamentary representative from each of the county constituencies on this council having in view the dissatisfaction which exists because of his failure to do so?
Mr. Murphy
To whatever extent that was possible and having regard to the possible size of the committee, that question was already considered. It seems to me that there might be difficulty in making any additions now but if the Deputy will make any suggestions in the matter I will have it looked into again.