asked the Minister for Local Government if a draft scheme was received in his Department some months ago from the New Ross Urban District Council for the development of Barrack Land and the adjoining portion of New Ross, which is a disused block in the centre of the town and which, if developed, would provide much needed houses in the town; and whether, having regard to the increasing importance of New Ross as an industrial and shipping centre, he will give the proposed development scheme his early and sympathetic consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Ross Housing Development.
50.
The outline of a scheme for the redevelopment of lands in the Barrack Land area of New Ross was received in my Department on 9th October, 1963, and the local authority were requested on 17th October, 1963, to forward additional information to enable the matter to be examined. From what has already been submitted it is clear that the authority are anxious to secure the renewal of obsolete areas in their district. I am pleased to see them taking such a keen interest in this type of work which will form such an important part of their duties as planning authority under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.
The planning authority in common with other authorities will be advised in due course of the steps to be taken for redeveloping and renewing obsolete areas under this Act. As regards the reference in the question to the need for houses, I might mention that I confirmed a compulsory purchase order last month which provides for the acquisition of sites for some 60 houses.