asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the urgent need for houses in the South County Dublin area; and if he will state the number of persons awaiting houses in the Rathdown area of the constituency of Dún Laoghaire/ Rathdown.
36.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Housing.
35.
asked the Minister for Local Government when the plans for the housing development at Shanganagh Vale, County Dublin will be completed; and when it is contemplated that the first houses will be built.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.
I am so aware. Separate figures are not available from Dublin County Council for the Rathdown constituency area. I understand, however, that the number of applicants for re-housing in the Ballybrack housing area is about 590. The latter area, as designated by the council, does not coincide with the Rathdown constituency area.
At the request of the county council, the National Building Agency is finalising plans for about 600 dwellings which would include local authority houses and sites for private houses at Shanganagh. I am not in a position at this stage to say when the first houses in this scheme may be built. The scheme is, however, being dealt with as a priority, with the intention that a substantial number of houses will be built in 1974-75. The agency are also preparing plans for a scheme of 162 houses and 100 private sites for the council at Sandyford. Plans for a county council scheme of about 600 dwellings at Deansrath, Clondalkin are also being finalised by the agency.
Dublin County Council also have work in progress on schemes of 58 houses at Rathcoole, 100 at Ballinteer, 96 at Dundrum, 12 at Stillorgan and 8 at Glenamuck. Schemes of 112 houses at Walkinstown, 22 at Roebuck and four at Kilternan are at tender stage and schemes of 108 houses at Clonburris, Clondalkin and 272 at Ballyboden are being planned by the council.
Arising from the Minister's comprehensive reply relating to matters which I did not raise in my question, can he say why there is a delay in the implementation of the plans relating to Shanganagh Vale, County Dublin?
I can assure the Deputy that there is no——
The Minister——
Deputy, would you let me answer the question, if you do not mind, or do you want to ask questions and get no answers?
The Deputy asked a supplementary question. He might like to hear the answer.
The position about the housing schemes referred to is that no house is held up in the Department of Local Government. As soon as it is submitted the scheme is sanctioned and sent out and the money is already notified to the local authority so they can proceed immediately with the building. No schemes are being held up by the Department and if they are being held up at local level I am sorry. I am sure they are doing their best, but there is nothing I can do about it.
Surely the Minister must accept his responsibility in relation to the very serious situation——
Which I inherited.
No, it is there in Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown over the years and the Minister has promised 25,000 houses, a promise, of course, which he dishonoured——
The Deputy is expanding on the subject matter of this question.
Would he in some way show faith in the promise which he has dishonoured? I would ask the Minister to honour his promise of 600 houses in my constituency.
The Chair will not permit an argument on this matter.
Deputy Andrews has made a statement. I want to say there will be 25,000 houses built this year and despite the crying of people like Deputy Andrews and an attempt to prevent the builders from building the houses they will be built and occupied.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 37.
I wish to give notice that I wish to raise this matter on the Adjournment, with your permission.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
There will not be room for you over there.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I am sorry, I have called Question No. 37.
I also give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
(Interruptions.)
The building of houses is getting you excited over there.