asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware (1) that within the Killarney urban area about 50 condemned houses were vacated some months ago when the tenants went to occupy new houses; (2) that the vacated houses were taken possession of by people who, up to then, had no living accommodation, and (3) that the urban council has served notice on the new occupants to quit so that the houses may be demolished; and, if so, whether the Minister will agree to a temporary arrangement by which those people may be left in possession of the condemned houses until such time as provision is made to have them suitably housed elsewhere.
Questions— Written Answers. - Occupancy of Condemned Houses.
A clearance order made by Killarney Urban District Council under Section 5 of the Housing Act of 1931 in respect of 92 unfit houses in the town was confirmed on the 28th November, 1950. The order, as confirmed, excluded one dwelling, and became operative towards the end of December, 1950. As the order has become operative it is mandatory on the council, under the Act of 1931, to secure the demolition of the property.
I have received no official representations from the council in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy, but in any event I could not interfere in the manner suggested having regard to the statutory obligations of the council in the matter.