asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state what the present position is regarding the approved scheme of non-municipal housing schemes in various towns and villages in West Cork, such as Courtmacsherry, Timoleague, Ballineen, Dunmanway, Roscarbery, Drimoleague, Bantry, and Ballydehob; and whether he will arrange with the county manager to have all land for such schemes fenced without delay, and all other preparatory work completed.

Approximately four acres of land for the crection of 50 cottages in towns and villages in the West Cork area were compulsorily acquired by the local authority and compensation determined. Plans and other documents were first submitted to the Department in 1940. These were found to require extensive revision, especially the layout plans, from which contours and details of sewer and water services were omitted. They were returned for revision in December, 1940. The employment of a temporary draftsman to assist in the preparation of the plans was authorised in September, 1941. In October, 1942, the engineer reported that pressure of other work and shortage of petrol was delaying the preparation of the plans. Completed documents for the towns of Courtmacsherry, Roscarbery, Timoleague, Ballineen and Dunmanway were received in May last. Modifications were deemed necessary, and details thereof were submitted to the local authority on the 4th August last. Recently at the request of the local authority's engineer an inspector of the Department visited the area and discussed the plans and other documents relating to these areas. The preparation of plans for Ballydehob has been deferred pending a survey of the site. Documents for one of the sites at Bantry cannot be finally prepared until levels for a sewer extension have been ascertained. There do not appear to be any proposals before my Department in respect of Drimoleague.

Would the Minister do whatever is possible to hasten the work?

Yes.

Would the Minister say how much petrol the engineer has?

No.

Is the Minister aware that in the pre-petrol period, much ground was covered by engineers in large areas by other means?

It seems to be a matter for the Cork County Council.