asked the Minister for Local Government whether his attention has recently been drawn to the extremely bad housing position in Portmarnock, County Dublin; and, if so, whether he will now indicate what progress has been made towards solving the difficulties encountered by the county council in acquiring sites.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portmarnock Housing Site.
I am aware of the need for houses in Portmarnock, County Dublin, and I would refer the Deputy to my replies to previous questions in the matter. Arrangements for the acquisition of the site by agreement have now been completed and approval has been issued to the terms of the agreement. I understand that plans for the proposed scheme are in course of preparation and will be submitted for approval at an early date.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the date on which Mr. David McCarthy gave nine acres of land, by agreement, to the Dublin County Council as a site for the building of council houses at Portmarnock, and the cause of the delay in proceeding with work on this site.
A proposal to purchase the site by agreement was submitted by the council on the 24th November, 1948, and approval in principle was issued on the 2nd December, 1948. The person named in the question is not the only interest in the site and legal difficulties were encountered by the council in negotiating agreement with the remaining interests. Arrangements for the acquisition of the site by agreement have now been completed and approval has been issued to the terms of the agreement. I understand that plans for the proposed scheme are in course of preparation and will be submitted for approval at an early date.
I am very sorry that the Minister would not get correct information in regard to this particular site. David McCarthy gave me nine acres of land in March, 1948.
A Deputy
Gave you?
He gave it to me to give to the council by agreement and the matter was settled in July, 1948. There are nine acres of land there and the people are in a very bad way for houses. It is very strange——
Is the Deputy asking a supplementary question?
I suggest the Deputy's statement is not as correct as my reply to his question.
My information is correct.
I suggest it is not.