asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the cause of the delay in carrying out the housing scheme of 26 houses at Ferbane, Offaly, and when the scheme is likely to commence, in view of the many deserving applicants for houses in the town.
- Ferbane Housing Scheme.
I am not aware of any avoidable delay in connection with this scheme. A tender has been accepted by the local authority and I understand that work will commence early next month.
Can the Minister state the date when this scheme was considered by the local authority, the date when the scheme was submitted to the Department and the date on which it was sanctioned, because the local councillors appear to put all the blame for the delay on the Department?
The final documents in connection with this scheme were submitted to the Department on 3rd June, 1950, and approved on 24th idem. The Offaly County Council stated on 10th July, 1950, that tenders were about to be invited. Following inquiries from the Department on 2nd and 22nd September, 1950, tenders were submitted to the Department on 3rd of October, 1950. Approval was given on the 28th idem to acceptance of the tender of Messrs. J. O'Gorman and Company, Athlone.