asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (a) whether the Housing Council established by him have considered the needs and the steps to be taken for the immediate erection of houses in Clondalkin, Stillorgan, Windy Arbour, New-townpark, Dean's Grange, Cabinteely, Stepaside, Sandyford, Shankill and Ballybrack; (b) whether any sites have been acquired for the erection of houses in these areas, and (c) when construction will commence there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Erection of Houses in County Dublin.
Mr. Murphy
(a) I understand that the Dublin Housing Consultative Council have not yet had an opportunity of considering the housing position in these areas in detail. The housing needs have, however, been surveyed by the Dublin County Council.
(b) Sites have been acquired in Clondalkin and Windy Arbour. A site of 5¾ acres in Clondalkin to accommodate 12 cottages is in possession of the Dublin County Council and a site of 2 acres which will accommodate 16 to 18 cottages is about to be acquired by agreement. A site of 21 acres at Farranboley, Windy Arbour, is at the disposal of the council. It will accommodate 165 cottages.
(c) The erection of cottages on the sites at Farranboley and Clondalkin will be undertaken at the earliest possible date. In the case of the Clondalkin site a lay-out plan has now been submitted to the Department for examination. A lay-out plan for the Farranboley site is at present being prepared by the Dublin County Council.
Is it true that the delay in the erection of houses is due to the concept that houses are being planned to last for hundreds of years in accordance with British ideas of architecture instead of being planned to last for a much shorter period as prevails in some continental countries?
Mr. Murphy
I have heard views on the aspect of the question raised by the Deputy, but I have not yet sufficient information to enable me to give an authoritative answer to that question.