asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the public statements of the General Manager of the Irish Sugar Company Limited that the housing shortage in the Mallow area of County Cork is preventing the expansion of the meat and vegetable processing plant there, thus preventing more employment both on the land and in the factory; and if he will state the steps that have been, or will be, taken both by his Department and the local authorities concerned to provide the housing facilities required.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Housing Needs.
56.
I have seen the press report to which the Deputy refers.
In my reply on 20th March last to a question by the Deputy. I outlined the facilities which are available from my Department and from housing authorities to persons providing, purchasing or improving houses for themselves and for employees of new industries. I also pointed out that, in so far as there is a need for local authority houses in an area, it is a matter for each housing authority to assess the need and formulate proposals to meet it.
With regard to the Mallow area, I have been informed by the Mallow Urban District Council that they propose to proceed with a scheme of 44 houses. I also understand that the Cork County Council have acquired a site near Mallow which will accommodate 14 houses and that they are in the process of acquiring a site near the sugar factory which would accommodate another 12 houses.
57.
asked the Minister for Local Government the steps now being taken by his Department and the local authorities concerned to deal with the housing shortage in Kanturk district, County Cork, which has been the subject of much adverse public criticism.
I indicated in my reply of 20th March last to a question by the Deputy on this subject that the initiation of proposals for the provision of houses for those in need of rehousing who cannot provide for themselves is a matter for the local authority. While there are no new proposals for houses in the Kanturk area at present before me, I understand that Cork County Council are seeking a site in or near the town to accommodate further houses. A survey of the housing needs of the adjoining area has recently been carried out by the county council which should assist them in formulating building proposals for whatever further dwellings are found to be necessary.
Will the Minister not agree that the allocation of houses by the Northern Committee of Cork County Council is actually the highest allocation in the £ for that purpose of all the housing authorities in Cork county?
If the Deputy says so, I do not dispute it.