asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the shortage of housing in Galway city and county; and if he will indicate when finance will be made available to solve this problem.
Written Answers. - Galway Housing Shortage.
189.
I am also aware of the fact that the total number of house completions in Galway increased from 1,270 in 1976 to a record level of 1,969 last year, due largely to action taken by the present Government.
In common with local authorities generally the Galway local authorities were asked by my Department in January 1980 to assess existing housing needs in their areas and also needs expected to arise up to March 1985. These assessments will be received within the next few weeks and the Government will then devise appropriate housing strategies for the next five years or so.
Regarding finance for housing in Galway, public capital expenditure on local authority housing and housing loans increased from £3.1 million in 1977 to £5.2 million last year. The applications from local authorities generally for housing capital in 1981 are being examined and allocations will be made as soon as possible.