asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the number of houses proposed to be erected in Portarlington and its immediate vicinity by (i) Laoighis, (ii) Offaly County Councils, indicating in each case (a) the number sanctioned to date, and (b) the number under contract.
Written Answers. - Portarlington Housing.
(1) Laoighis County Council propose erecting 66 houses in Portarlington which will meet the needs of the Laoighis portion of the town according to a survey completed some weeks ago. Of this amount the county council is at present considering tenders which have been received for 38 houses. A lay-out plan for a further scheme of eight houses has been approved by my Department and the submission of detailed drawings is awaited. A scheme of six houses is also proposed on a site in the possession of the council. Negotiations are in progress for the acquisition of a site to accommodate the balance of 14 houses required.
(2) Offaly County Council recently carried out a survey of the housing needs of the Offaly section of Portarlington, according to which the housing needs are as follows:—
|
Portarlington Town |
38 |
houses. |
|
Cushina and Derryvilla townlands |
6 |
,, |
|
Clonsast and Bracknagh |
7 |
,, |
|
Total needs of town and district |
51 |
,, |
Sites for 88 cottages in Portarlington and district were included by the council in a Compulsory Purchase Order which was confirmed in November, 1948. Sketch lay-out and house plans for a scheme of 26 houses as a first instalment in the council's programme were submitted for approval in June, 1949. The owner of the site, however, appealed to the High Court against the making of the Order and no further progress was possible pending the determination of the appeal. The hearing of the appeal was postponed and to avoid further delay the council opened negotiations with the appealing owner. Agreement was reached some weeks ago and the council now have power to enter on the site. The settlement with the owner involved a reduction in the area of the site necessitating the preparation of revised plans which it is understood will be submitted for approval at an early date.