asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the tenants of certain privately-owned houses in Newtown Park, Blackrock, County Dublin, are required to pay their rents direct to the county council and have been doing so for a considerable period; whether he is further aware that, although water mains are running alongside these houses, neither sanitation nor water supply is provided in them, and whether, in view of these facts and the importance of maintaining a proper health service in this locality, he will take steps to secure that the houses in question are provided with a water supply and sanitation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Supply to Blackrock Houses.
I understand that the houses referred to are houses which come within the provisions of the Local Government (Rates on Small Dwellings) Act, 1928, and by reason of the default of the landlord in paying the rates due on these dwellings, the local authority have taken steps in accordance with the Act to collect the rents in satisfaction for the rates due. It is also understood that it is the intention of the local authority to provide alternative housing accommodation in this area and that the present condition of the houses in question would not warrant the expenditure on the installation of a water supply and sanitary conveniences.