asked the Minister for Local Government if there have been any recent developments regarding the provision of new housing in the City Quay area of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Housing.
101.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 101 of 12th May, 1971, on the subject. Since then I understand that there have been further consultations between the corporation and representatives of the local community. A committee representing the latter have commenced a survey to establish basic information regarding the area. As the Deputy will be aware, I met representatives of the committee recently to discuss this survey and I have assured them of my support. I have also appealed to local, commercial and business interests to co-operate with the committee in answering their questionnaire. The corporation have supplied the committee with a map showing the zoning of the area for planning purposes, and will inform them as soon as possible of the implications for the area of possible road and traffic developments. I have also expressed to the committee, my view that everything possible should be done, within the requirements of proper planning and redevelopment, to halt the decline of the area and to restore it.
Could the Minister possibly consider asking the NBA to have a look at this area?
If the Deputy is of the opinion that the NBA having a look at the area would be of any further assistance, I shall certainly consider it.
102.
asked the Minister for Local Government if there are any plans to improve Dublin Corporation dwellings at Benburb Street and at Mountpleasant and Hollyfield.
I have visited areas containing substandard Dublin Corporation schemes and I am fully aware of the unsatisfactory housing conditions in the areas mentioned in the question. I have already been in touch with the corporation and I intend to press forward vigorously with a programme designed to reduce density, increase the accommodation per family unit and to provide modern sanitary facilities for each unit.
In the case of Benburb Street and Hollyfield Buildings, I have taken up with the corporation the question of providing extra space adjoining the flats for playing and other facilities.
In the case of Mountpleasant buildings I have asked that facilities be provided in the exising spaces.
I have also taken up with the corporation the question of providing more suitable arrangements for the disposal of refuse in these areas.
I should like in this connection to express my appreciation of the practical work done by private individuals and voluntary groups, some of whom I have met, who have taken such an active interest in the problem of substandard corporation dwellings and to acknowledge also the good work done already by the corporation in clearing substandard schemes, such as that formerly at Keogh Square, and their anxiety to upgrade the remaining substandard schemes as quickly as circumstances permit.
Can the Minister say whether any other areas have been taken up with Dublin Corporation?
I have taken up the areas which have been mentioned specifically in the question.
Has the Minister taken up any buildings on the north side, for instance, Foley Street or Corporation Place?
Corporation Place also.
The Minister did not mention that area.
It was not mentioned in the question.
I thought the Minister might have included all the areas he has taken up with the corporation.
I am very anxious to improve conditions for the people who are living in what I consider to be the worst of the substandard corporation dwellings and these include the ones I have mentioned as well as Corporation Place.
Does the Minister consider that the places mentioned in his reply are worse than Corporation Place?
The Minister is not offering any professional opinion as to which is worse than the other but I am aware of the condition in these particular three. I have been making vigorous representations to Dublin Corporation to have something done about the appalling conditions in which these people are living.