asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has received revised plans from the Cork County Council relative to the proposed erection of non-municipal houses at Dunmanway, Timoleague and Ring; and, if so, whether in view of the urgent need of the houses, he will give immediate sanction to the schemes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Houses.
10.
Revised plans were received on 25th January, 1966, from the Cork County Council in respect of the proposed scheme at Ring and are under examination.
In the case of the proposed schemes at Dunmanway and Timoleague the county council, having examined the possibility of improving the layout of both schemes, have now requested approval to their original layouts. This request is under consideration and a decision will be conveyed to the council as soon as possible.
Could I get an undertaking from the Minister that an early decision will be given, as the houses are urgently needed? Would it be possible to give a favourable decision within three weeks so that we can go ahead with the houses?
If I could presume the decision would be favourable within the next three weeks, I could presume it now. I cannot do that and, until further discussions have taken place on the spot with my inspector, it would, I think, be unwise to make any further comment.
Would the Minister not agree that, from the information at his disposal, the county council have completed their examinations and are satisfied that the plans submitted are the most reasonable? Surely in such a small scheme there should be no trouble in getting departmental approval.
On the other hand, my officers are not satisfied. I might say that in such a small scheme as this, one would expect the council might agree with my officers rather than that I should agree with theirs.