asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the high trend of building costs in the West Cork area, and of the availability of both skilled and unskilled labour, he will urge upon the local authority the desirability of initiating a second scheme of house-building by direct labour on the approved site at Railway Street, Dunmanway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Costs in West Cork.
Mr. Murphy
The desirability of undertaking the erection of houses by direct labour as a supplement to the contract system has already been urged on all housing authorities. It is, however, primarily a matter for the housing authority itself to decide whether local conditions indicate that it would be in the best interests of the local authority to carry out a particular scheme by direct labour rather than by contract. I understand that tenders have been invited by public advertisement for the scheme of eight houses at Railway Street, Dunmanway.
Mr. Murphy
Would the Minister state if the local authority has power now to carry out this scheme by direct labour, although an advertisement has been issued inviting tenders for the work?
The closing date for the receipt of tenders was the 15/4/50. Pending the receipt of the tenders, I prefer not to answer that question.