asked the Minister for Local Government when sanction will be given by his Department to Mayo County Council for the unit cost of Kiltimagh housing scheme; and if finance will be made available to enable the contract on the scheme to start in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Housing Scheme.
4.
I have informed Mayo County Council that the unit cost per house of the tender received by them for the Kiltimagh housing scheme is acceptable. The allocation of money to finance the scheme will be considered when the council reply to my Department's circular letter of 9th January, 1976, requesting details of capital requirements for new housing work in 1976.
Can the Minister tell me, first, when he notified the council of the decision; secondly, is he aware that existing commitments for houses under construction in Mayo will eat up an allocation somewhat similar to what was given to us last year and that unless an increased allocation is given it will not be possible for this housing scheme to go ahead?
There are a few things that I have to tell Deputy Calleary. First of all, within the last few days notification has been sent out. Secondly, Deputy Calleary, apparently, is not aware that the Leader of his party, Deputy Lynch, in the debate before the Christmas Recess, said there were too many local authority houses being built. Possibly he had the ones in Kiltimagh in mind.
(Interruptions.)
It is not out of context. He said there were too many local authority houses being built. In 1972-73 Mayo County Council got £180,570 for local authority houses; in 1973-74, £228,000; for the nine months of 1974, £280,750 and Deputy Calleary is complaining because in 1975 they got £493,000 for local authority houses, a council that had not been building local authority houses for a number of years. I think he has got more than his share and if he gets as much this year he should be very happy.
All borrowed money.
Could I have this clear? Does Deputy MacSharry object to money which is borrowed being used for housing in Sligo, because he made a statement in this House yesterday that people were not taking up SDA loans in Sligo. In fact, they took up £400,000 last year and asked for £100,000 more. They are looking for an extra £100,000 this year and Sligo is one county where they are more than spending what they are getting. So, Deputy MacSharry should get his facts before interrupting here.
First of all, Deputy Calleary is well aware that we got £480,000 last year. I am asking the Minister is he aware that we need at least that much this year to cover existing commitments and when will he give us the money?
The Deputy has already expressed that point of view.
I am not so aware. If the Deputy's county council would notify the Department of Local Government that this is the position perhaps we could decide on a figure to give his county. So far we have not heard from them.
Is the Minister aware that according to officials of Mayo County Council the Minister has got this information already?
No. We had not got it yesterday, unless it came in this morning. The Deputy had better talk to them again.
Question No. 5.
May I ask a question?
No. I have called Question No. 5.