asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the controversy between the Kerry County Council and his Department regarding the type of plan to be selected in respect of the erection of county council cottages in rural districts; and, if so, if he will have the position examined with a view to enabling the council to select the type of housing plan which will be most economical and suitable to the requirements of the applicants concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry County Council Cottages.
No such controversy exists. The council has already at its disposal seven different types of plans which have been approved for use in rural areas in the county.
Is the Minister aware that at the time of this controversy to which I have referred the housing officer and the engineer were deputed by the county council to visit his Department? They visited the Department in the past few weeks to try and get over this difficulty and even now it has not been adjusted. Is he aware that the engineering section of the Department concerned are trying to foist a plan on us which is making it difficult for us to erect houses in the rural areas?
I am aware that conversations have taken place between the county engineer and other officers of the Kerry County Council with the officials of my Department in this matter of suitable plans for rural houses in County Kerry. I have stated in my reply that there are already seven different plans approved by my Department, any or all of which could be used by the county council for the erection of cottages. I understand that an effort is being made to provide a further plan to meet all the different points of view that have been expressed. I take it from the fact that seven plans have been approved the council could scarcely contend that there was any impediment in the way of getting ahead with the erection of rural cottages.