asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state if any decision has as yet been made by the Dublin Corporation concerning the building of working-class dwellings on the many vacant sites they possess in the Meath Street-Francis Street area in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation—Housing Schemes.
I understand that the area referred to has been the subject of a survey by the Dublin Corporation in recent years with a view to the preparation of a comprehensive scheme for its redevelopment with particular reference to the provision of working-class dwellings.
Plans have recently been approved for the erection of 70 flat-dwellings at Vicar Street, which is within the area, and it is expected that this scheme will be advertised within the next few months.
With regard to the other sites in the area already in the corporation's possession, I understand that these comprise in the main small parcels of land adjoining existing tenanted properties and that the corporation's view is that they cannot be economically used or satisfactorily planned for housing purposes.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in this particular area there has been a very large displacement of people, so much so, that the population has gone down by about 16,000 in the last 30 years? As far back as 1948 the corporation were then about to develop vacant sites; six years have passed and we are now starting on a scheme for 70 flats. There is wide indignation in the area in relation to the neglect that has taken place.
The Minister, in introducing his Estimate yesterday, promised to give special consideration to the needs of both Dublin and Cork City. The matter to which the Deputy now refers will be brought under consideration when that special review takes place.