asked the Minister for Local Government on what grounds his Department wrote a letter to the local authority of the North Cork Public Health and Assistance Committee pointing out that the housing schemes for that area were outstepping the water and sewerage scheme complementary to the housing schemes, and if he will enumerate the schemes where plans were not in preparation for any or all of the housing schemes in the area.
- North Cork Water and Sewerage.
The Deputy appears to misunderstand the general tenor of a semi-official letter sent to the assistant county manager referring to the question of water and sewerage services for housing schemes in the North Cork area and inviting him to the Department to discuss the position if he thought it desirable. At a subsequent conference it was indicated to the assistant county manager that, while it was necessary that grouped cottages should have piped water and sewerage services wherever possible, the council's housing programme could not be held up awaiting the provision of such services. It was suggested that, in the case of housing schemes likely to be completed in advance of proposed sewerage schemes, arrangements should be made for the installation of temporary closets pending the provision of piped sewerage services so that completed houses would not be left unoccupied. The Deputy will, therefore, see that the Department's efforts have been directed to ensure that the carrying out of the council's housing programme or the letting of houses would not be held up by any temporary difficulties in regard to water and sewerage services.
I have very bitter recollection of the wording of the letter. The word "outstepping" was used. The engineering services of the Northern Cork committee had made provision for at least seven water supplies and septic tanks would be sufficient to service the remainder of the scheme.
The Deputy is giving information, not asking for it.