asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that concrete footpaths are provided to and around all local authority houses built in rural areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Footpaths.
8.
The specifications for local authority dwellings built in rural areas, which are approved by my Department normally provide for a carriageway from the road with footpaths leading from the carriageway to the front door and from the rear door to the fuel store. In addition, a concrete apron is provided around the perimeter of the house.
Generally, the footpaths consist of tarmacadam or surface dressing, a combination of chippings and tar, or gravel and concrete footpaths are not normally considered necessary. However, there may be exceptional circumstances in individual cases and this is a matter for the local authority to consider in the first instance, having regard to the location and topography of the site, environmental considerations, good building practice and the costs involved.
Accordingly, I consider that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the matter on the lines envisaged in the question.