asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state whether the contract for the building of urban houses in Youghal permits the contractor to assemble the concrete blocks used in the houses outside the urban area; and, if not, whether he will take immediate steps to have the contractor make the blocks within the urban area, and, further, whether he will take such steps as are necessary to have the making, assembling and painting of doors, frames and sashes done in the urban area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building of County Cork Houses.
I assume that the Deputy's question refers to schemes comprising 44 houses at Cork Hill and Tallow Street which are at present being carried out for the Youghal Urban District Council.
It is provided in the terms of the contract for the erection of these houses that local labour shall be employed, though it is not specifically provided that all materials to be used shall be made up locally. As the Deputy is aware the responsibility for taking such remedial steps as may be necessary if there is any departure from the conditions of the contract rests primarily with the local authority. I understand that the urban district council have already taken up with the contractor the question of employment of local labour in connection with concrete blocks and joinery and that the contractor is endeavouring to meet the request of the council in so far as it is possible at this stage.