asked the Minister for the Environment when work will commence on the lane known as Hally's Lane, adjacent to Cluan na Laoi Housing Estate, County Waterford, for which a grant of £22,000 was sanctioned some time ago and the cost of which has now risen considerably.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford Housing Estate.
2.
(Dublin South-East): A grant of £22,000 was allocated to Waterford Corporation in February 1982, under the scheme operated by my Department for the completion of unfinished housing estates where all efforts to secure their completion by the developer have failed. I am not in a position to say when work will begin on completion of the estate concerned but I understand from Waterford Corporation that they are negotiating with a contractor for the carrying out of the necessary works.
Is the Minister aware that this is a rapidly growing and highly populated area and that the cost of finishing this lane and installing lights there is now £44,000? Is he further aware that the corporation have approached his Department with a view to getting an increased grant? In the circumstances would he accede to upping the grant somewhat?
(Dublin South-East): I certainly would not be in a position to make a commitment of the nature requested by the Deputy, but I am aware of what he said at the beginning of his question, that costs have increased. Such increases certainly would be taken into consideration.
The lane is a difficult one in so far as a number of young people have been threatened there. In the circumstances the Minister should attach some importance to having the lane finished and brought up to the standards sought by the corporation.
(Dublin South-East): That assurance I can give to the Deputy.