asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that in Pulla, Offaly, over 1,000 people are residing in 80 small cottages, with resulting overcrowding and unhealthy conditions; and, if so, whether he will state what housing plans the local authority have for this area.
- Offaly Housing.
Pulla forms part of the Ferbane dispensary district, the housing needs of which, according to a survey recently carried out by the Offaly County Council, will be fully met by a 26-house scheme at Ferbane, and schemes for 15 rural cottages elsewhere throughout the dispensary district. These 41 houses are at present in course of construction.
Is the Minister aware that the local authority, the Offaly County Council, indicated that in the district of Pulla, no houses will be built? Will the Minister take that matter up with the council? Building houses at Ferbane is no answer to the housing needs of Pulla.
As I have indicated in my reply, Pulla forms part of the Ferbane dispensary district and there is a scheme for 41 houses including 26 at Ferbane.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that in Pulla, Offaly, many young married men are forced, by reason of the failure of the local authority to initiate a housing scheme in the area, to build small houses for themselves which do not qualify for grants under the Housing Acts, and whether he will introduce proposals for legislation to deal with the situation.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 82 regarding the steps being taken by the housing authority to meet the housing needs of the area under the Labourers Acts. In regard to the suggestion that houses are being built which are ineligible for grants under the Housing Acts, I am having inquiries made of the appointed officer and will write to the Deputy when my examination of the matter is completed.
I want to impress on the Minister that this is an urgent social problem in this small area and that some particular effort should be made to meet the housing requirements of the district.
I will take note of that.