asked the Minister for Local Government the number of houses or other buildings in course of erection by the National Building Agency in the Counties of Leix and Offaly in the present financial year; and what buildings are proposed to be erected in the coming financial year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Housing.
32.
Of 30 houses so far provided in this area by the National Building Agency, Ltd., four were completed in the current financial year. Five further houses are in course of construction and work is expected to commence shortly on three more. It is not possible at this stage to forecast the extent to which the services of the Agency will be sought in the coming financial year.
33.
asked the Minister for Local Government what progress, if any, has been made recently in regard to the serious housing shortage in Edenderry and Birr, County Offaly; and if these two towns will be singled out for special and urgent action in regard to the housing of the many people who are without homes.
With regard to Edenderry, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous question on this subject on 18th May last. I understand that a consultant architect is being appointed by the county council to prepare documents for a scheme of 40 houses.
A survey of housing needs carried out by Birr Urban District Council last July, on the basis of applications for rehousing, revealed a nett existing need for 14 houses. Six applicants have been allocated houses in the Cappaneale scheme which is nearing completion. The council propose to rehouse the other eight applicants in additional houses to be provided in the same area. I have not yet received the housing authority's proposals for a building programme to meet future needs as they arise.