asked the Minister for Local Government if he will indicate (1) the amounts due to Cork Corporation to date by way of grants from the Transition Development Fund, subsidies to loan charges or otherwise, in respect of housing schemes carried out by that body; (2) the date when houses were (a) begun and (b) completed, in connection with which moneys are due to the corporation, and (3) when it is hoped to make any payments which are due.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing Scheme Grants.
It is estimated that a sum of £2,450 is due in respect of grants from the former TransitionDevelopment Fund. This figure is subject to revision when particulars of final costings of all schemes eligible for such grants are submitted by the corporation. The amount due will then be paid.
As regards contributions to annual loan charges, payments on account have been made in respect of all eligible housing schemes for which claims have been submitted. It is not possible to estimate the further amount due until particulars of the finances of all the eligible schemes have been submitted and examined. Such particulars were received in respect of some of the schemes within the past week and contributions in respect of them will be included in the next half-yearly payment.
It is understood that 26 houses have been allocated to newly-weds. Grants not exceeding £250 per house are payable in respect of such houses. These grants will be paid when application therefore has been received and is examined.
As to the dates of commencement and completion of houses in respect of which payments are due, the former Transition Development Fund grants apply to post-war schemes begun prior to 31st October, 1950. The dates of completion of such schemes are included in the reply given to the Deputy on 10th December, 1952. Contributions to annual loan charges become due each year in respect of all eligible schemes carried out under the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1932. The houses allocated to newly-weds are understood to be four houses in the Parkowen Scheme completed in 1950 and 22 houses in the Ballyphehane No. 1 Scheme completed in the years 1949,1950 and 1951. I am not in a position to say in regard to the particular 26 houses, when they were begun and completed.
Do I take it from that reply that the local authorities rather than the Department are responsible for the delay in fixing up the payments?
There does not seem to be much delay so far as the reply which I have read out establishes.
There is a complaint in regard to the delay, and I am anxious to know whether the Department or the Cork County Council officials are responsible for it.
I did not think the question was prompted because of any feeling locally that there was any delay. The reply does not seem to suggest there is anything disturbing in that regard.