asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that in the Pullough area of Offaly there exists an acute housing shortage and that a number of people living in the area who are desirous of building their own houses are unable to avail of the housing grant because a house conforming to his Department's minimum size and standard is not suitable for erection in this boggy area; and, if so, whether he will direct his Department to carry out a survey of the housing requirements of the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Housing Problem.
Mr. O'Higgins
I have already had full investigations made into the housing position in the Pullough area and I am not aware that an acute housing shortage exists there. A survey carried out last year by technical officers of the county council established that there are sites in the area suitable for the erection of houses which would comply with grant standards and sanction was given in April last to the acquisition by the council of one such site for the erection of eight cottages. The county council intend to build further cottages in the area, if required. It is open to any person in the area to acquire other suitable building sites or, if qualified, to apply to the council for tenancy of one of the cottages to be built there.
Mr. O'Higgins
Did I understand the Minister to say that a site for the erection of council houses has been acquired in the Pullough area?
That is my information.
Mr. O'Higgins
I think the Minister's information is incorrect. So far as I know, there is no housing plan whatsoever for the area. The nearest site is in the Ferbane area, some three or four miles away. In the Pullough area there are over 1,000 people living in 80 houses. I regard that as an acute-shortage of housing.
The housing needs for 1950 were estimated to be 25. The county council invited applications as a sort of check-up on that estimate. The council received one application in reply to the advertisement. Despite that fact, the council acquired this site for eight cottages and, as I say, they have found other suitable sites in that district if they should be necessary. If they find, after completion of these eight houses, that there is still a demand for more houses then these will be provided also.
Mr. O'Higgins
I think the Minister's information is incorrect and inaccurate. I am aware of a list of over 100 applicants for houses in the Pullough area, which was submitted to the county council.
The information I have given is based on investigations carried out on the spot by an inspector of my Department as well as on information supplied by the officials of the local authority in question.
Mr. O'Higgins
I do not think the inspector ever went into one of them.