Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 4

Written Answers. - Departmental Properties.

John McGuinness

Question:

151 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, her Department has to take legal action against Carlow Urban Council and a private developer in relation to a property owned by Dúchas at the lock, Graiguecullen, Carlow, which has been adversely affected by a development in a neighbouring property to the extent that the persons involved (details supplied) are homeless; if she will make available to them alternative accommodation or assist them to obtain a local authority house; and if an official of her Department will carry out an inspection of the property and interview those concerned. [2905/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The former lock-keeper at Carlow lock-house has continued to occupy the lock-house since retiring in 1992. The private development overlooking the lock-house is not on canal property and was granted full planning permission by the planning authority.

The lock-house has been the subject of repeated flooding over the years. As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works is considering a number of options for flood alleviation in the Carlow area and I am advised that the implementation of such a scheme is necessary to deal with the ongoing flooding problem at the lock-house.

I understand that the occupants intend to return to the house shortly. Should they apply to the local authority for alternative accommodation, my Department will support their application. An official of the Waterways Service has carried out an inspection of the property and has discussed the matter with a relative of the former lock-keeper.