asked the Minister for Local Government if he will now sanction the site submitted by Laois County Council for the erection of houses near Arles, County Laois, where an urgent need for houses exists and where alternative sites are not available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arles (Laois) Housing.
65.
This site is in an isolated location between two existing villages in the nearer of which there is a school, church, shop, and other community facilities. Sanction to its acquisition was sought specially because the local officials were satisfied that the site did not conform to the minimum standards recommended by my Department.
A joint inspection by officers of my Department and the local authority, which was carried out last month indicated that there are a number of suitable sites in the village of Arles, at least one of which was on the market.
From a report received from the council last week, however, it appears that they are reluctant to acquire any of these alternative sites. In view of the obvious advantages to the proposed tenants of providing the houses in the village in a properly planned and integrated scheme, I am asking the council to reconsider their decision in the matter.