asked the Minister for Local Government if he will give particulars of housing schemes for which Meath County Council and Trim Urban Council have sought permission to borrow from the Local Loans Fund, since 1st July, 1970; and, if sanction has not been given, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Housing Loans.
42.
Applications were received in my Department since the 1st July last from these authorities for loans for 20 houses at Ashbourne, 2 at Ballivor, 12 at Dunderry, 10 at Enfield, 20 at Slane, and 20 at Navangate, Trim. Loans have been sanctioned for the Ballivor and Slane schemes. The other loan applications are under consideration and a decision on them will be given as soon as possible.
The Minister will remember when I asked him a similar question a week ago he said he felt he would be able to deal with them in a few days. Has something happened in the meantime which has prevented sanction being given?
Some of the ones the Deputy mentioned have now been sanctioned.
The Minister said that two schemes have been sanctioned.
We shall try to deal with them as soon as possible.
In reply to an earlier question the Minister said that the allocation of money to a local authority might be absorbed earlier and this would be a reason for delay but this is not the reason in this case. Can the Minister say why it has taken so long to sanction the schemes because in view of the fact that the plans for the houses and the contracts were signed so long ago there is a danger that there will be an increase in the costs if the Minister does not sanction the remaining schemes soon?
I am anxious to sanction these loans and have the houses under way as quickly as possible.
I am calling Question No. 43.