asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the much-publicised scheme for the erection of private purchase houses by the National Building Agency for Clonmel Corporation, County Tipperary, has been help up owing to the fact that the Corporation have been unable to obtain any decision from his Department regarding the proposed £100,000 loan for the scheme; and if he will state the reasons for this delay in sanctioning the loan, and the date when it is now expected that the work will commence on the scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonmel Housing Schemes.
26.
I am not so aware. Clonmel Corporation have a substantial undrawn balance available for the making of loans for house purchase from a loan already sanctioned. The corporation's current application for a further loan for this purpose is being dealt with in the normal way. I understand that the National Building Agency are in course of completing certain legal formalities in connection with the scheme. When these have been finalised, there should be no undue delay in the commencement of work on the scheme.
Could the Minister give me an indication as to when he is likely to sanction this loan?
I cannot. Possibly with some notice, I might be able to do it. As I say, it is being dealt with in the normal way and, in the meantime, there is a substantial undrawn balance available to the corporation for the making of loans.
The Minister is surely aware that this scheme, for which the National Building Agency are the contractors, was supposed to commence in July of this year. As there are some 50 families in urgent need of rehousing, I would urge him to make a speedy decision in approving of the money required to commence the work.
The finalising of this loan application is not what is holding this up at the moment. My information is in regard to another hold-up, and two or three weeks may clear it up.
Is it some legal formalities between the corporation and the National Building Agency which are holding this up?
No; the Deputy ought not to take that from what I have said. There are other difficulties which I am not at liberty to disclose at the moment.
27.
asked the Minister for Local Government the up-to-date position regarding Clonmel Corporation's housing scheme for the Old Bridge area; when it is expected that money will be available for this scheme; and when it is expected that work will commence.
An application was received on the 10th ultimo for sanction to the raising of a loan of £31,000 to finance the erection of 14 houses at Old Bridge. The application is being examined in conjunction with the corporation's proposal for the acceptance of a tender for the scheme. I am not in a position to say when work on the scheme will be commenced.