asked the Minister for Local Government if any action can be taken by him to compel local authorities to maintain the exterior appearance and condition of premises owned or occupied by them at a standard at least as good as that of premises held by private ownership in such areas, to ensure that local authority held properties will not have a detimental effect on tidy town competition decisions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Property Maintenance.
59.
Mr. J. Lenehan
I am not aware that the standard of maintenance of local authority premises compares unfavourably with that of adjoining premises held by private ownership. While I have no statutory functions in the matter, if the Deputy has any specific case in mind I will have the matter taken up with the local authority concerned.
Mr. J. Lenehan
In view of the shocking exterior condition of practically all the premises owned by local authorities in the rural areas, would the Minister agree to circulate to local authorities a request that they should bring the premises up to acceptable standards? I can assure the Parliamentary Secretary that these buildings are eyesores and he would see many of them if he comes to my area or to any area west of the Shannon.
If the Deputy brings a specific case to my notice I shall look into the matter.