asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (1) the date on which cottage No. 2, Coastguard Station, Youghal, County Cork became vacant; (2) the period in weeks that the cottage is now vacant; (3) when it will be available for sale or letting; (4) the rent of the cottage per week; (5) the total loss of rent to date caused by non-letting of the cottage; and (6) if he is aware of the grave scarcity of housing facilities in the town of Youghal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Youghal Cottage.
46.
The cottage in question, which had been let to a tenant at an annual rent of £21 10s has been vacant for the past sixteen months. It was not re-let or sold because of the possibility of the entire coastguard property being required for public purposes. The investigations into this aspect of the case have just now been completed and a decision on the disposal of the cottage will be taken forthwith.
Is there any chance of surcharging the Parliamentary Secretary or the Commissioners of Public Works for the loss of rent?
I should not think so. Investigations into the probable uses of the property in question were perfectly in order and had to be made. There was a possibility that public authorities in County Cork would have had use for them.