asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the Office of Public Works and commercial banks have refused the Donegal County Council's application for a loan of £100,000 for the erection of demountable dwellings; and in view of this if he will make funds available from his Department to allow the council to proceed with the much needed houses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Houses.
93.
I am aware that Donegal County Council were unable to get this loan from sources other than the Local Loans Fund. I have recently sanctioned the borrowing of a loan of £160,000 from the fund to finance expenditure in 1972-73 on housing schemes of six houses or less, rural cottages and demountable dwellings, in respect of which responsibility has been devolved to the council. According to returns furnished recently by the council they have spent only about £21,000 on devolved works in the first six months of 1972-73.
94.
asked the Minister for Local Government the amount of capital allocation in respect of housing needs applied for by Donegal County Council and the amount provided; and if he is satisfied that this will meet the needs of the county.
In their estimate submitted to my Department in March last, Donegal County Council indicated a possible expenditure of £1,164,530 on local authority housing in 1972-73. In June 1972 the council were notified that a provisional allocation of £635,000 was being made in respect of commitments then existing and for works for which responsibility has been devolved to the council. Allocations for other new work would be decided from time to time according as schemes mature for start and the council were advised that the provisional allocation would be subject to review during the year. To date they have drawn £305,280 of that allocation.
A detailed review of the position is at present being carried out in my Department, following which the making of any additional allocations, which may be necessary, will be considered.