Vol. 491 No. 3
338 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number on the housing waiting lists for each local authority; the expected number of local authority houses to be completed in 1998; and the measures, if any, he proposes to take to reduce these long waiting lists in view of the increased cost of private housing and the difficulties faced by many young working couples to secure their own home. [11754/98]
I refer to the replies to Question No. 54 of 25 November 1997 and Question No. 54 of 3 February 1998.
339 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason for the delay in giving sanction to Meath County Council for a remedial works scheme for St. Mary's Villas, Donore, County Meath; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this agreed scheme was submitted to his Department five months ago; the total cost of the scheme; when he will give sanction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11768/98]
340 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason for the delay in giving sanction for the remedial works scheme for Claremount, Navan, County Meath, which was submitted by Meath County Council to his Department in 1997; when he will give sanction to the scheme; the cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11769/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 340 together.
In the context of its application for funding under the remedial works scheme Meath County Council accorded the highest priority to Claremount Estate, Navan, which has been approved for funding under the scheme at an estimated cost of more than £5 million. My Department is in communication with officials of the county council about design aspects of their proposals for the refurbishment of the houses at St. Mary's Villas, Donore, the estimated cost of which is some £700,000.
