asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the Mayo County Council at their meeting of 14th January, 1956, decided to apply for a loan of £200,000 for the purpose of financing a housing project under Sections 9, 10 and 11 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1952, that the application, with all the necessary documents, was forwarded to his Department on 21st February, 1956, that the council have not received a decision to date, and that 1,200 applications are held up because the council has no money to deal with them; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo County Council Loan.
The borrowing of £200,000 proposed by the council was sanctioned on 16th March last. Pending availability of the loan from the Local Loans Fund, a proposal to borrow a sum of £50,000 by way of temporary overdraft was approved on 22nd February in respect of the period ended 31st March. The council have not sought an extension of this sanction nor have they given any indication that they are experiencing difficulties in connection with supplementary grant operations.
Is the Minister indicating that the local authority can get this money and that they will be able to fulfil the needs of the applicants?
I take it that, if Mayo County Council were experiencing any difficulty in procuring it, they would make the necessary representations to me and I have received none from them.
On behalf of Deputy Moran, I give notice that this matter will be raised on the adjournment, with your permission.