asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the urgent need for the provision of more houses at Foxford, County Mayo; and what progress is being made to have houses erected at the earliest possible date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Houses.
43.
I am aware that there is a need for more houses at Foxford. I understand that Mayo County Council are acquiring a site in the area which could accommodate up to 16 houses and hope to finalise the negotiations shortly.
Does the Minister not appreciate that Foxford has been an industrial town for a great many years and a considerable number of the houses in Foxford were built originally by the Providence Woollen Mills people, the Irish Sisters of Charity? What is the cause of the delay? It has been said that there was a delay in acquiring the site. Can the Minister explain why there is such a delay here?
The Deputy is a member of Mayo County Council who have not yet concluded their negotiations for the purchase of this site. I am quite willing to assist in the provision of houses in Foxford. The Department have been aware of the need for houses there for some time. Difficulties have arisen between the council and whoever they are negotiating the purchase of the land from. Until they acquire the site and put forward proposals to the Department there is not much we can do.
Does it not seem unreasonable that the Department of Local Government will not push Mayo County Council?
I can assure the Deputy that we have taken action. We have put some pressure on Mayo County Council to build houses in Foxford.