asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the urgent need for houses in Mungret, County Limerick, to cater for the local cement factory workers, and that a scheme for 32 houses was prepared a considerable time ago for this area; and, if so, whether he will state the reasons for the delay in implementing this scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing in County Limerick.
Mr. Murphy
I am aware that there is a need for houses in the Mungret area. These needs will be partially met by a scheme of 32 houses at Patrickswell for which plans were approved by the Department on the 18th instant. Owing to legal difficulties, portion of the site was not transferred to the council until the present month. Every effort is being made to have work on the scheme commenced as soon as possible.
May I take this opportunity of saying that I am anxious that large industrial concerns should, as far as possible, cease to look to local authorities for the provision of new houses for their workers, and that they should participate in the housing drive by themselves building and letting houses with the aid of grants made available under the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1948.
Are they not already availing of those facilities?
Mr. Murphy
I am happy to say that there are certain large employers doing so. I would wish that their example was copied generally. If it were, I think it would make a very substantial additional contribution to the solution of the whole problem.