andMr. Cluskey asked the Minister for Local Government if he will explain the cause of the delay in handing over the houses and flats being built in Ballymun for Dublin Corporation, having particular regard to the fact that the first hand-over was promised for July, 1965; and when it is anticipated that the houses and flats will be available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballymun Houses.
39.
The corporation are aware that the comprehensive programme of development and construction works was completely upset by the weather conditions which have prevailed continuously since October. I am informed that as soon as site conditions permit, arrangements can be made to commence the hand-over of houses for occupation. A visit to the site will confirm that the comfort, convenience and safety of incoming tenants may best be served by deferring first occupancies.
Would the Minister agree that the justification for departing from traditional building was the argument that this new type of building in Ballymun would give us a crash programme? The houses were to be handed over, according to the Minister's statement, last July. Would the Minister further agree that, in view of what is now happening, there was no justification for proceeding with this type of building?
I do not agree with the Deputy's assertion.
Would the Minister not agree that the reason given for this new type of building was the quick hand-over?
That might have been one of several reasons. It was not the only reason.
It was the principal reason.
It was the reason given by the Minister.
I suggest, as I stated at the end of my reply, that the interests of those concerned will be best safeguarded by not putting them in until weather conditions have improved.
That may be so.
Would the Minister not agree that traditional builders have been handing over houses continually since last October and conditions are the same in Coolock as they are in Ballymun?
There are houses ready for handing over in Ballymun, but——
Would the Minister say how many?
——because of the circumstances on the site, it would not be feasible to put the tenants in.
Would the Minister say how many are ready for handing over?
I could not say at the moment, but I can get the figure for the Deputy.
Is it the position that the houses are built but there is no road into them?
It is not a question of a road.
There are no toilets in them?
That is not the reason.
What is the reason?
Water and muck.
But that applies to every site.
No. The houses which have been completed are part of the overall plan of construction. It follows that, within a short distance of houses which have been completed or are in course of construction, there are large works going on by way of excavation, drains, service ducts, and so forth, which it is impossible to complete because of the weather. These are adjacent to these houses and would make it dangerous, in my estimation, to put anybody into these houses.
Will the Minister say what is so different in Ballymun? How is it so different from Coolock where houses are being built by traditional methods?
Ballymun is about five times bigger. That is the only difference.
The Minister stated that this position is due to adverse weather conditions since last October. The houses were to be handed over in July.
The Deputy is quite aware of the situation in regard to the handing over of houses. The Deputy is aware as a member of the Housing Committee and other bodies dealing with this matter.
Will the Minister agree that this is a terrible disappointment to the people who thought they were going to be housed last year?
(Interruptions.)