asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the tenant of a vested house at 48, Gilroy Avenue, Edenderry, County Offaly has provided a local service by way of a provision store and a shop for the convenience of the local people; that local traders have objected to the Offaly County Council to the giving of permission for such a business; that the Council have allowed a number of vested tenants to have shops at their premises; and that no action has been taken in any case except in this one; if an explanation can be obtained as to why legal action was taken in this case and no action taken in other similar cases; and if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shops in Local Authority Houses.
48.
The administration of its housing estate including the enforcement of the statutory conditions governing vested cottages is a matter for the local authority concerned. I am informed that Offaly County Council has not given permission for the carrying on of businesses in any of the dwellings provided by them in Edenderry. I am informed also that court proceedings are pending in connection with the house in question for the reason that the tenant, having obtained the permission of the housing authority to provide further living accommodation by extension to the house, in fact utilised the extension for trading purposes.