asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the serious lack of housing accommodation in Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick; that married members of the Defence Forces transferred to Limerick from other centres are unable to obtain accommodation with the result that they are separated from their families; and that there are members of the Forces stationed in Limerick for many years who are living in overcrowded conditions as sub-tenants in corporation houses; what proposals he has to rectify this position; and if he will consult with the Limerick Corporation with a view to having houses erected on the suitable sites available at Sarsfield Barracks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Accommodation at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick.
48.
I am aware that additional accommodation for married members of the Defence Forces has, for some time, been required in Limerick and that, in consequence, married quarters are not available for soldiers transferred to Limerick from other centres. I am not aware that certain members of the Defence Forces stationed in Limerick are living in overcrowded conditions as sub-tenants in Corporation houses. The shortage of married quarters for soldiers has not been confined to Limerick but has been a problem at various military centres. A programme for the erection of new quarters at the centres where the needs were greatest and for the improvement of old-type married quarters in certain barracks was drawn up some years ago and has been actively pursued. Housing schemes have already been completed at Dublin, the Curragh Training Camp and Athlone and a scheme for the improvement and enlargement of 24 old-type quarters in Limerick was completed in July, 1958. A scheme for the erection of 24 houses at Cork is at present being carried out and, as soon as this scheme is completed, the question of new houses for married soldiers in Limerick will be pursued. In the circumstances the necessity for consultation with the Limerick Corporation, as suggested by the Deputy, does not arise.