asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the erection of six cottages at The Hill, Malahide, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Dwellings.
10.
Approval in principle was given some time ago to the provision by Dublin County Council of six cottages near The Hill, Malahide. I understand from the council that negotiations for the acquisition of the necessary land are still in progress.
How many applications for cottages has the Minister from Malahide?
92 applications. This is not the only scheme. This only refers to a particular scheme at The Hill, Malahide. Deputy Dunne may know about another site of 12½ acres at Yellow Walls.
I know well what it refers to.
11.
asked the Minister for Local Government when it is proposed to commence work on the erection of prefabricated houses in Saggart, County Dublin.
I approved in principle of the provision of temporary dwellings at Saggart on 24th January last. I am still awaiting a proposal from Dublin County Council in regard to the placing of an order for these dwellings.
Is the Minister prepared to consider sanctioning prefabricated dwellings in areas throughout his constituency similar to those in Saggart——
Yes.
——where the prospects of permanent building are somewhat remote and the immediate need of housing is very great?
Yes, certainly.
Is it not a fact that Dublin County Council sent a proposal for a certain type of prefabricated house to the Minister's Department and the Minister disagreed with the proposal and sent it back for re-consideration? Is it not that he is waiting for?
Oh, no.
Is there not something wrong in a decision to provide emergency accommodation and then having to wait 12 months for it?
What the Deputy says is untrue. I cannot understand what the delay is in Dublin County Council. Perhaps Deputy Clinton may have some knowledge as to why Dublin County Council will not put forward a proposal to purchase these dwellings.
We have been told that a proposal was, in fact, put forward and the Minister disagreed with it, and it was sent back for revision and change.
I am awaiting that proposal. I do not know what influences are at work in Dublin County Council which prevents work being done. Some people seem to have an interest in seeing that these people will not be housed.
Surely it is not the practice of the county council to write to the Minister for agreement in principle? Surely a proposal was sent to build prefabricated structures?
As long ago as January last I agreed with the proposal and I am still waiting for the county council to do something.
There is a clash here. Is it the manager who is at fault?
(Interruptions.)
That may be it.
Or would it be of assistance to some people in the local elections if these houses are not built?
That is the sort of ugly suggestion that comes frequently from the Minister. On the last occasion the Minister said it was because there was not a majority of Fianna Fáil councillors on the council.
Order. Question No. 12.