asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the grave shortage of housing in many towns in Mayo, particularly in Ballina where young married couples are forced to go to England in search of housing accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Houses.
74.
With regard to the housing in the non-municipal towns and villages in County Mayo, I would refer the Deputy to my replies to his Question No. 27 of the 20th November, 1968, and No. 33 of the 26th March, 1969. No proposals in regard to housing in non-municipal towns have been submitted to me by the county council in the meantime.
As regards the urban areas in the county, the net need estimated by the urban council for new local authority dwellings in Ballina for the four-year period ending on 31st March, 1971, was 12. A scheme of 12 houses was completed last year by the National Building Agency Ltd. on behalf of the council. Plans are now being prepared by the agency for a further scheme of 22 houses for the council, and sites are available for a further 40 dwellings. In Castlebar, where the estimated need was for 53 dwellings, 24 local authority houses have been completed recently by the agency and the council have now asked them to provide another 24 houses. The council has a reserve of approximately 43 acres of land available for the provision of further houses and private sites. In Westport, the council estimated a net need of 45 local authority dwellings. The agency is at present examining tenders for a 24-house local authority scheme; the council is having plans prepared for the development of 50 private sites; and they have already acquired sites for a further 30 dwellings.
Is the Minister aware that hundreds of families have left Mayo for the very definite reason that houses are not available for them and that people getting married quit the county and try to find housing accommodation in England rather than wait for those schemes which are promised year in, year out?
No.