asked the Minister for Local Government when proposals to erect a scheme of houses at Donore, County Meath, were first received by his Department from the Meath County Council; how many times they have been sent back to the county council; and why they were returned in each case; and if he is aware of the urgent need for the rehousing of a large number of persons in that area whose housing needs are not being met because of delays in his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Housing Schemes.
44.
Layout and house plans for this scheme was first received in my Department on the 14th December, 1970. Following discussions between technical advisers of my Department and of the local authority, the submission by the authority of a revised layout for the scheme is awaited. The plans have not been sent back to the council. I am aware of the need for houses in Donore, and there has been no undue delay in my Department in dealing with this proposal.
The plans were sent to the Department and it was decided by somebody that they needed revision. In view of the fact that the houses are similar to schemes which have recently been built in the county would the Minister like to comment on why the revision was requested?
I have not the exact details of the revision but the Deputy can take it that there was good reason for the request.
Would the Minister not agree it is reasonable that, if one or two housing schemes have been built in 1969-70 and found satisfactory, a similar scheme submitted towards the end of 1970 should be sanctioned by the Department and that there should not be a footling request for an alteration of a couple of inches here and a couple of inches there, which holds up the scheme and keeps people out of the houses?
I do not think you could relate a new scheme to previous schemes.
45.
asked the Minister for Local Government when he got a request from the Meath County Council for permission to borrow money from the Local Loans Fund for council housing schemes at each of the following places, (a) Ashbourne, (b) Slane (No. 2 Scheme), (c) Dunderry and (d) Summerhill.
Applications for sanction to loans for housing schemes at Ashbourne, Slane (No. 2) and Dunderry were received in my Department on 28th September, 1970. The application for the Summerhill scheme was received on 3rd June, 1970.
Would the Minister say why sanction has not been given except for the Ashbourne scheme?
The only thing I can promise the Deputy is that I shall try to expedite the sanction of these loans. I cannot give any reason why they are not sanctioned yet.
Would the Minister agree that even if permission to borrow is now given there would be no call on the Local Loans Fund for seven, eight or nine months, until well towards the end of the financial year, and will he do as he has suggested?
I will.
46.
asked the Minister for Local Government when he received an application from Trim Urban Council for permission to borrow money from the Local Loans Fund to erect 20 houses at Navan Gate, Trim.
This application was received in my Department on the 24th September, 1970.
What is the position? Has it been sanctioned?
The application was received. It has not been sanctioned yet and I shall look into that.