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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Feb 1966

Vol. 220 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cottage Plots.

24.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that on page 6 of Appendix A of Circular Letter N. 1/65 it is stated that a plot of one quarter acre should normally be adequate for single isolated cottages; and if, having regard to the qualifying condition for a septic tank grant that the tank should be situated 60 feet from both dwelling and public road, it is his intention to amend the qualifying conditions or to advise housing authorities to enlarge cottage plots which are too small to accommodate a septic tank.

I am so aware. Normally, a plot of one quarter of an acre will give sufficient room for siting a septic tank in accordance with the distance requirements. Where this is not possible because of unsuitability of levels or because of the shape of the plot it is open to housing authorities to acquire a larger plot. In the circular letter to which the Deputy refers it is indicated that larger sites may be necessary in certain circumstances. I see no necessity, therefore, for action on the lines suggested.

Would the Minister say what shape plot will be required, in order to get the 60 feet for a septic tank, both from the house and from the road, required under this circular?

A narrow frontage.

Such a frontage would be so narrow that it would not be possible to put a house on the front of the plot. If the Minister tries it, he will find it will be the queerest looking plot ever seen.

All the Deputy has to do is to take a look around at houses on the way in to Dublin and he will find that this is possible.

There would be 60 feet from the house and an added 60 feet from the road. This is what is causing the trouble. Sixty feet from the road is making a cod of the whole thing. It just cannot be done.

It can be done. I will show the Deputy how.

It cannot be done. I will call down to the Minister's office so that he can show me how it can be done.

It can be done if the circumstances are such.

It was a stupid circular to send out.

I am not convinced that it was. One house will go into a quarter of an acre.

If you do not have to have 60 feet here and 60 feet there.

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