asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the bad housing conditions in Waterford, and whether he is willing to consider the request that an increased subsidy be granted and a reduction made in the rate of interest on housing loans in order to facilitate an amelioration in these conditions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Housing Conditions.
It is assumed the Deputy's question relates to housing conditions in Waterford City. The housing needs of the city were estimated in 1943 by the local authority to amount to 987 houses. Since then, 109 houses have been completed and a further 188 are in progress. The corporation are taking all possible steps to meet the remaining needs as soon as possible.
I am not aware that financial difficulties are impeding the efforts of the corporation to solve their housing problem or that there is any case for exceptional treatment in the particular instance of Waterford City.
The subsidies already available to housing authorities, comprising contributions towards loan charges, grants from the Transition Development Fund, and the provision of capital at an effective interest rate of 2½ per cent. per annum over 50 years, are generous, and are approximately equivalent to the provision of interest free loans. Further relief must be sought by housing authorities in a reduction in building costs and the adoption of a differential rent system.