asked the Minister for Local Government the reasons for the delay in sanctioning plans for the erection of the following cottages in North Tipperary: (1) three cottages at Shesheraghmore (2) one cottage at Benamore (3) one cottage at Derry Rathcabbin (4) four cottages at Ballina on derelict sites and (5) one cottage at Gortnaskehy, and the reasons for requesting amended plans in respect of (1) four cottages at Ballycahill and (2) one cottage at Brockagh; and if he is aware of the housing shortage in this county, as only nine cottages were completed in 1961.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Tipperary Cottages.
21.
The new potentially serviced plan which was submitted by the Tipperary N.R. County Council for approval for use in the cottages at Shesheraghmore, Benamore, Derry Rathcabbin, Gortnaskehy and Garrynamona Ballycahill, and also for general use was found to be substandard in regard to the size of two rooms and to contain other unsatisfactory features. The housing authority were advised accordingly. The revised plan which was subsequently submitted is at present under examination.
The plans for the four cottages on the sites at Ballina were received on the 26th June, 1962, and are also under examination.
I hope to convey an early decision to the housing authority regarding all these proposals.
A decision on the proposals for the cottage at Brockagh cannot be taken pending a reply from the housing authority to queries regarding the site.
With regard to the last part of the question, the assessment of housing need and the initiation of proposals for the provision of local authority houses are functions of each housing authority concerned. According to the records of my Department, 13 cottages were completed by the housing authority in 1961. I am only too pleased to promise my co-operation in any steps the housing authority propose to provide whatever further houses are considered necessary in the area.