asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a Sligo Corporation housing scheme for 101 houses at Maugheraboy, Sligo, has been waiting for clearance from his Department for almost one year; that tenders have been received and a contractor chosen for all that period; that Sligo Corporation's waiting list for houses is now nearing 300 and that this will have reached 500 by the time this scheme would be completed even if sanctioned now; that no houses are being built anywhere in the town by Sligo Corporation; and, if, in view of all these circumstances, he will immediately sanction and provide the money for the Maugheraboy scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo Housing Scheme.
4.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 30 on 25 November 1987. Having regard to the capital available under the Public Capital Programme in 1988 for local authority housing construction, it is not possible, at this stage, to approve the scheme referred to by the Deputy.
In view of the fact that the Minister has only sanctioned two new housing schemes in the entire country for 1988, that not one single new house is being built in the Sligo Corporation area and that only about five SI cottages are being built in the entire Sligo area, would the Minister make an exception in this case and provide the necessary funds which would allow this long overdue scheme to commence?
The money which had been available to me has been allocated and, as the Deputy is aware, this scheme will cost about £2 million. I do not have that amount of money available to me at present but when the next allocation comes along I will consider the matter further.
Would it be possible to provide some funds to enable part of the scheme to commence and then to complete it as money becomes available?
I do not have the money available to me at this stage but, as I have said, on the next occasion when schemes are being selected I promise I will look carefully at this scheme.
Is the Minister aware that arising out of the activities of the Coalition Government per se there were many new developments in Sligo and that this will inevitably lead to great pressure on housing in future years and that we will reach a crisis unless he does something about it?
I am pleased to note that many new developments in Sligo have been sanctioned and announced by the Minister for Finance which I suppose will lead to an improved economic climate in Sligo. I am also pleased to note that the Deputy supports the Minister for Finance in the efforts he is making for his constituency.
As the Minister is aware, the housing lists in Dublin Corporation commenced on 1 May, the housing construction department of Dublin Corporation has been virtually closed down, and this is typical of what is happening around the country. Would he agree that what is happening in Sligo is happening in every county around the country and that we are heading for the biggest housing crisis since the thirties because of the policies now being pursued by this Government?
I cannot accept that at all. The reverse is the case. However, if the Deputy wishes to pursue the matter a little further there is a question down on today's Order Paper for oral reply in the name of another Deputy which deals specifically with the Dublin area.
If it is reached.
That is a matter for the Deputy.