andMrs. Desmond asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has notified Cork County Council regarding sanction of the provision of non-municipal houses at Timoleague and Dunmanway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Housing.
18.
Plans for these schemes were approved by me last March and I understand that contract documents are now being prepared by the housing authority.
Will the Minister say if the council are at liberty to advertise both schemes? That is the question at issue.
The question here is whether I have notified Cork County Council regarding sanction of the provision of non-municipal houses at Timoleague and Dunmanway. The answer I gave was that plans for these schemes were approved by me last March and that I understand contract documents are being prepared by the housing authority.
Is the Minister not aware that he intimated to the county council that they should not advertise housing or water schemes without notifying the Department and without his prior approval, and that as a result these schemes are held up?
The situation is very much the reverse in regard to housing. I have been trying to get housing authorities to bring their schemes to the tender stage because with the situation of allocations now being practised and with the situation as it will be in the future, it is necessary to have housing schemes in particular brought to tender stage so that a clear picture will emerge in advance of allocations being made. This involves sanitary services but applies to housing in particular. Far from telling them not to advertise, I have been trying to get housing authorities to bring their schemes to the tender stage.
In view of the Minister's statement, we can advertise both schemes forthwith?
They are not in position to advertise them.
Do not hedge.
They are not. The Deputy may check it with his housing authority. They are not in a position to go any further because their contract documents are not yet ready.
The council's legal advice was different.
That is not the information I have.
Send us the money and we shall be all right.