asked the Minister for Local Government if the Dublin County Council has submitted any proposals to his Department for the erection of (a) local authority housing schemes generally or (b) specific instance schemes which would attract the one-third subsidy; and if he will make a statement on the present policy of his Department regarding the sanctioning of local authority housing schemes which qualify for the one-third subsidy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Housing Schemes.
37.
There are no proposals from Dublin County Council before my Department for the provision of dwellings intended to attract one-third subsidy.
Housing authorities were informed by circular letter dated 12th October, 1960, that, with regard to housing activities in any urban area or any town or built-up area in a county health district, where the needs of persons in the priority categories, i.e. those living in unfit dwellings or overcrowded conditions, have been or are effectively being met, they may submit proposals for the provision of houses for other persons who are eligible for and in need of local authority housing and not in a position to provide their own accommodation with the aid of housing grants and loans. In regard to other areas in county health districts, housing authorities were informed that proposals for cottages for agricultural labourers not living in unfit dwellings or overcrowded conditions must be considered with due regard to the extent to which the housing authority is meeting its statutory responsibilities to deal with rural families still living in such conditions.
I understand that Dublin County Council are concentrating their own housing activities on meeting the needs of the priority classes in the county. As soon as it clear that this need will be effectively met in any particular area in the county by the schemes completed and schemes being undertaken. I shall be glad to receive proposals from the council for providing the remaining needs of families in that area not in a position to provide their own accommodation with the aid of housing grants and loans.