asked the Minister for Local Government if he will indicate (1) the number of labourers'cottages vested or otherwise in Cork County which are vacant for over six months, (2) the length of time each is unoccupied, (3) the reasons therefor, and (4) whether, in view of the fact that under present legislation it is difficult to decide ownership in many cases, he will introduce proposals for amending legislation to enable local authorities to appoint tenants to these cottages without undue delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Labourers' Cottages.
I understand from the local authority that there are 24 labourers' cottages in Cork County which have been vacant for more than six months. Of these, eight are vested cottages and 16 are not vested.
The information required by the Deputy at (2) and (3) in his question is in the form of a tabular statement which, with your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, will be circulated with the Official Report.
The question of the need for amending legislation to resolve inter alia certain difficulties in relation to disposal of vested cottages on the death of the tenants is being considered.
The following is the statement:—
VACANT COTTAGES IN CORK COUNTY.
8 VESTED COTTAGES.
|
Number of cottages |
Vacant since |
Reason for vacancy |
|
1112 |
April, 1947February, 19481949October, 1950 |
In 5 cases the tenant purchaser died and the cottages are vacant as it is not clear that the purchasers could demise the cottages by will. |
|
21 |
November, 1950February, 1951 |
In the remaining 3 cases the cottages are not occupied by the purchaser and the local authority has refused to accept nominees for the purchaser and in the third case the annuity is being paid on behalf of the purchaser (an old woman) by her daughter |
16 NON-VESTED COTTAGES.
|
Number of cottages |
Vacant since |
Reason for vacancy |
|
7 |
— |
These cottages are totally derelict. |
|
11211 |
March, 1945August, 1945March, 1947November, 1947February, 1948 |
6 of these cottages are situate in isolated districts in West Cork and there are no applications for tenancy. |
|
1 |
July, 1949 |
In one case the tenant made application for vesting and died in December, 1950. |
|
1 |
November, 1950 |
In one case there is a dispute over a right-of-way. |
|
1 |
December, 1950 |
In one case the tenant has left temporarily. |