asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the rising demand for local authority houses in Galway city; and if he will request the National Building Agency to undertake the building of houses to supplement the work of Galway Corporation in this regard, especially as an early start on the construction of the industrial estate at Mervue will greatly accelerate the demand for houses in the coming year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway City Housing.
28.
I am so aware. I asked the National Building Agency Ltd. recently to review the position in Galway and I understand that the Agency are at present proceeding for the acquisition of a five acre site at Mervue from the corporation with a view to building a scheme of houses adjacent to the industrial estate. The planning of the scheme is in progress and it is hoped to invite tenders for the work in the near future.
What is the point of having Galway Corporation engineering and architectual staffs scratching their heads in Galway while the National Building Agency erect houses cheek by jowl with the housing scheme the local authority are equipped to deal with? Is there any special marvel attached to the National Building Agency doing the work instead of Galway Corporation.
These are for a different purpose. They are in connection with the industrial estate.
Are they not for housing the people of Galway?
I do not think that Galway Corporation technical staff are scratching their heads doing nothing.
All I want to know is if there is any special reason why, when there is a corporation equipped, presumably, and efficient and an engineering and architectural staff, also efficient, available in the area and responsible for the development of the area, and when there are more houses needed for the people of the area, it is necessary to bring in a Government agency?
The regulations in accordance with which Galway Corporation and other local authorities must provide houses are laid down. These houses are required in connection with the establishment of new industries in the industrial estate in Galway. People who need these houses might not qualify for houses erected by the corporation.
Is the Minister indicating that if the houses are built by the National Building Agency, the priorities that usually apply in relation to the provision of houses to meet housing needs will be departed from?
Yes.
Is he indicating that the people of Galway can be told these houses are being provided by the National Building Agency and that the people in need of houses can be told they are to stay on in their unfit houses——
These houses are being provided for a particular purpose—to facilitate the development of the industrial estate in Galway which is a vitally necessary project.
How often have Galway Corporation facilitated factories?
I do not know.
I do.
Would the Deputy put down his own question?
I am aware Deputy Coogan would like to see the estate a failure but he will be disappointed.
If there are houses wanted in Galway, why do we not provide the money to build them?
The Government are providing money to build these houses in order to ensure that it will be possible for the Galway industrial estate to be a success. I know Deputy Dillon would be better pleased if it were not a success.
Blather.
The Deputy can be assured that every possible step will be taken to ensure that it will be a success.
Will the Minister ensure that the people who are unemployed at the moment will get work there?
Deputy Dillon and Deputy Coogan would like to have it said that this industrial estate was a failure.
Two of them in Galway have already gone west.