asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state how many Bord na Móna houses are unoccupied in County Offaly, indicating the areas in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna Houses in Offaly.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that the number of their houses unoccupied in County Offaly on 20th February, 1958, was 53. These houses are in the village of Cill Cormaic which comprises 104 houses altogether. The vacant houses will be tenanted as required by permanent employees at the Boora Works and at the new briquette factory in Boora.
Can the Minister say if it is a paying proposition to build a scheme of houses and find that there are over 50 unoccupied? Surely that is nonsense?
It is a matter for judgment, when one starts an industry in a rural area, whether one builds the factory first or houses for the workers.