asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the unsatisfactory position of some 16 tenants who have houses built by the National Building Agency in Blarney, County Cork; if he is aware that the tenants have been in occupation of these houses as from June, 1966; that they applied for and were granted loans from the Cork County Council in August, 1966; that the County Council's solicitor wrote to the National Building Agency for registration of title in December, 1966, in January, 1967, in June, 1967, and in January, 1968, and that to date they are still awaiting title so as to pay the loans to the tenants who applied; and if he can take any steps to compel the National Building Agency to furnish title and to compensate these tenants who are still dependent on bridging loans from the banks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Housing Loans.
I am aware of the position regarding the houses provided by the National Building Agency at Blarney in 1966, which are being financed with the aid of loans from Cork County Council. I understand from the Agency that their solicitors have now forwarded the necessary leases to the purchasers for completion.
Mr. Barrett
When were the leases forwarded?
What is the position in regard to the final apportionment? Through the negligence of the National Building Agency, those people have lost two years of their period of repayment. Who will repay them for that loss? The council were ready to give them loans on the production of title. Will the Agency refund that money to those people?
This was due to difficulty in getting leases from the solicitor.
Have they a solicitor?
Yes. The solicitors have now forwarded the necessary leases. There were unnecessary delays in it.
81.
Mr. Barrett
asked the Minister for Local Government if he considers that the provision in the contract programme for the National Building Agency scheme in Cork city for the completion of certain planning and design work subsequent to the signing of a contract will result in Cork Corporation being unable to have a firm quotation for the entire work prior to entering a contract; and if he considers this procedure desirable.
An open ended contract for this project is not contemplated. No firm decision has yet been made in regard to the form of contract and there will be full consultation by the Agency with Cork Corporation before a decision is taken.
Mr. Barrett
Is the Minister aware the corporation were informed this is the form of approach which is being made by the National Building Agency?
It is not intended it will be that type of approach.
Mr. Barrett
The Corporation hold a document to that effect. Does the Minister agree it is an unwise thing for the corporation to do?
I do not like that type of thing.
Mr. Barrett
One of the cases was when the principal buildings were erected at Cork Airport. The estimate at the time was £195,000 but by the time the work had been completed, the cost had risen to £460,000.
I do not deal with Cork Airport.
Collective responsibility.