asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the large and increasing number of applications on hands for rehousing by Killarney UDC, County Kerry; if he is aware that no financial arrangements have so far been made to commence a scheme of houses in 1977 to meet the urgent cases of persons many of whom are forced to leave overcrowded conditions and move into caravans located in public places; and if he will state the steps he proposes to take in the matter.
Written Answers. - Killarney Housing.
69.
The most recent information supplied to me by Killarney Urban District Council showed that of 24 applications which had been approved for rehousing on 15th November last, 16 were in respect of families of three persons or less. The council have 16 houses under construction at present and hope to invite tenders for a further scheme of 35 houses shortly. I have told them that I will consider the provision of capital for this scheme when I have had a report from officers of my Department who will visit Killarney shortly to assess the comparative urgency of present housing needs. I might add that an allocation of £150,000 has already been authorised to the council so far this year, for local authority housing construction, compared to £109,100 last year, £116,000 in 1975 and £20,760 in 1972-73.