asked the Minister for Local Government what proposals there are for the building of houses in Wexford, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Housing in Wexford Towns.
34.
With regard to Wexford, Enniscorthy and New Ross, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question asked by him on the 5th April, 1960. With regard to Gorey, there are no proposals before my Department at present for the building of houses in the town.
If my memory is correct, on the last occasion on which he was questioned with regard to Enniscorthy, Wexford and New Ross, the Minister said he was awaiting proposals from the local authorities in respect of Wexford. Am I to take it that no proposals have been received since he answered that question?
I can give the Deputy this information in regard to those three places: Enniscorthy:— proposals for the acceptance of a tender for a scheme of 12 houses at Bellefield, Enniscorthy, are awaited; New Ross:— there are no proposals for the building of further houses before my Department; Wexford:— it is agreed that 30 houses are needed in Wexford. A proposal for building 30 houses at John Street was resubmitted to the Department on 11th May, 1960. It is, however, intended to carry out a local investigation of the housing needs position to see whether the scheme could be approved in whole or in part. The county manager was asked on 16th May, 1960, to prepare the necessary information, the submission of which is awaited.
The Minister said it was agreed that 30 new houses were required in Wexford. Could he tell me who agreed 30 houses were needed?
When I said "agreed," I intended to convey that that figure has been put up by the local authority.
The local authority has stated, therefore, that the number of new houses or extra houses required in Wexford is 30?
That is the information I have. That is what has come up to us.
35.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of families now requiring to be housed in the towns of Wexford, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Gorey.
The information requested by the Deputy in regard to Wexford, Enniscorthy and New Ross was given in my reply to a similar question by him on 5th April, 1960.
According to the latest information available in the Department no applicants approved by the housing authority were awaiting rehousing by Gorey Town Commissioners, but 8 families residing in the town had applied to Wexford County Council for labourers' cottages.
There is a complaint that everything is being done in a whisper. The House has a right to know what is being said.