asked the Minister for Local Government when it is intended to build the new houses in Eyrecourt, County Galway, on the site purchased by the county council.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Housing.
107.
The question of when the building of the houses will commence is a matter for the county council since responsibility for planning and erection of housing schemes of this size has been devolved on local authorities.
108.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that there are no back entrances to the new houses at Dublin Road, Tuam, County Galway; and if he will consider providing them.
When the layout for the first stage of this scheme was being approved some years ago it was recommended that the rear access lane-way should be omitted on the grounds of economy. The layouts submitted by the housing authority for the further stages of the scheme did not incorporate rear laneways. It would be a matter for the housing authority, in the first instance, to consider whether expenditure on such laneways would be warranted.
Is the Minister aware that people who were successful in getting these houses are complaining now that there are no rear entrances to them? I am sure the Minister is also aware that where you have to bring in fuel and other commodities through a house it is not practical or suitable to bring them through the front entrance.
The Deputy must ask a question.
As far as I am aware, Galway County Council have to get permission from the Minister before they can provide a back entrance.
May I say that Galway County Council have not asked for permission to provide back entrances and, if they do, the request will be favourably considered? There was a mistake made in some Press report which seemed to suggest that it was the back doors that were missing. The back doors, I am glad to say, are there.