asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health when he proposes according his sanction to the scheme of the Meath County Board of Health for the erection of cottages under the Compulsory Purchase (Sites) Order, 1939; whether he is aware that applications for new cottages were accepted, and the sites marked and inspected over two years ago; whether he is further aware that numerous families in the county are living in hovels, and that the board of health is unable to do anything to relieve them pending the sanction of their cottage scheme by the Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Erection of Cottages in Meath.
The first application made to my Department in connection with this matter was received in July last. The board proposed to acquire compulsorily 362 plots. On an examination of the proposal certain information was required from the board of health before arrangements could be completed for the holding of the necessary public inquiry. The information was received from the board in November last and the inquiry was held on various dates between the 8th and 20th January. Subsequent to the inquiry each plot had to be examined and reported on by the inspector. Owing to transit difficulties and to the fact that the plots are scattered over the county health district the inspections could not be carried out as expeditiously as formerly. It is hoped to have the inspections completed at an early date, when consideration will be given to the confirmation of the board's order.