asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to allocate the necessary funds to Louth County Council to build houses at Tullyallen, Drogheda; if he is aware that this project is ten years overdue; and if he will deal with this as a matter of urgency.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Louth Housing.
39.
I have not received an application from Louth County Council for funds to build local authority houses at Tullyallen. I understand that the council's plans for a housing scheme for this area have been held up by difficulties in regard to water and sewerage services. In this regard, a loan application in respect of a sewerage scheme for Tullyallen was recently received in my Department and a decision thereon will be conveyed to the council as soon as possible. The county council should then be in a position to make further progress with the planning of the housing scheme in accordance with existing procedures.
Will the Minister consider seriously representations in relation to the building of these houses which has been held up for something like ten years as a result of the sewerage problem? Will he consider allowing houses to be built at the same times as the construction of the sewerage scheme?
I will certainly consider such a proposal. If the Deputy will communicate with me I will look at it.
40.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the very serious housing problem in the Clogherhead area of County Louth; the date a housing scheme will commence in this area; and when he will advise Louth County Council on the matter.
It is a matter for each housing authority to plan and initiate housing schemes in their functional area having regard to assessed needs and the availability of capital resources for these purposes. Under existing procedures local authorities may build schemes of 60 houses or less without my prior sanction, subject to a number of requirements, including local consultations with my Department's inspector, agreement to unit costs and keeping within the available capital and allocation.
I understand that, following consultations with my Department's inspector, the county council will now proceed to prepare contract documents and seek tenders in respect of the first phase of a scheme at Callystown, Clogherhead, to comprise 34 houses.
The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.