asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the acquisition of a housing site for the Kenmare group cottage scheme; and if he is aware of the urgency of the scheme as no such scheme was implemented there since 1934 with the exception of one for four cottages and as eight proposed sites were rejected in that time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kenmare Cottage Sites.
10.
I am informed by Kerry County Council that negotiations are proceeding for the acquisition of a housing site at Kenmare for about 20 houses. I am aware that there is an urgent need for houses in the area and my Department has been pressing the housing authority for some time to acquire a suitable site. I am also informed that while only four houses were built by the council in the town since 1934, 31 houses have been provided by them in the Kenmare area since then. Of the six sites considered by the council since 1950, two were rejected as unsuitable by my Department.
The Minister said that 16 houses were built in Kenmare. It was probably in the Kenmare area.
I did not say 16; I said 31.
If 31 were built that is extending out as far as 20 miles. There were only four houses built within the town. I blame the Department of Local Government because every time they went down to see those sites since 1934, it was they who turned them down and got the council to turn it down in other cases.
The Department have been pressing Kerry County Council to get ahead with this work and get the houses built in the Kenmare area.
They may try to get ahead but they will be held up by the Department.
They have been held up by the Department.
(Interruptions.)
Kerry County Council have not put forward proposals.
Question No. 11.
Last August they came up to the Department.