asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state in relation to the number of non-purchase dwellings to be built by Dublin Corporation in 1968 the precise number of these which will be non-purchase houses as distinct from flats; and the location of these houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Non-Purchase Houses.
28.
The estimated figures given in my reply to the Deputy's Question No. 12 of 7th May, 1968, have now been revised by the Dublin Corporation. The revised figure of the number of dwellings expected to be completed by 31st December, 1968, is 2,044 of which 637 are houses and 1,407 are flats. These figures exclude any dwellings which may be provided by way of "package deals" with builders. No estimate of possible completions under this head is available as yet. Of the 637 houses as distinct from 1,407 flats expected to be completed at 31st December, 1968, 373 houses are intended for renting and are located as follows:—
|
Coolock/Kilmore |
372 |
|
St. Finbar's Avenue, Cabra |
1 |
I understand, also, that the corporation hope to have work commenced in 1968 on approximately 206 additional houses for renting in the following locations:
|
Kilbarrack East |
200 |
|
Ennis Grove, Irishtown |
5 |
|
O'Hogan Road, Ballyfermot |
1 |
Does the Minister think that the number of houses is sufficient to meet the needs?
No.
Could the Minister not put pressure on Dublin Corporation to have it increased in some way? Could improvement not be obtained in this figure?
I am satisfied that Dublin Corporation are dealing with the matter as expeditiously as they can. The fact that there are only 373 new houses for renting does not mean that there will be only that number available for new tenants, because purchase houses and package deal houses will be allocated either to people on the corporation waiting list or existing tenants of rented houses, so that a substantially greater number than that will become available for new tenants.
Is the Minister not aware that in Finglas only 18 new houses were built? When he talks about a substantial increase he would not call that a substantial increase?
I did not say there was a substantial increase in each corporation area. In fact, some of these are already completely built up. I said there will be a substantially greater number of houses available for renting to new tenants than the number that will be actually constructed for that purpose in this year. There is an annual vacancy rate as well as the other factors I mentioned.
But the Minister will agree it falls far short of the need?
It will take a number of years to meet the need.