asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the Corporation of Drogheda is carrying out a large development scheme at Hardman's Garden, Drogheda, in anticipation of a housing scheme at an estimated cost of £27,725; that recent increases in wages and materials have necessitated an additional cost of £2,300; that if the full cost of development is to be added to the building and land acquisition costs the rents of the houses will be so high that only those in the higher income groups will be able to afford to live in them; and, if so, whether he is prepared, in these circumstances, to allocate a substantial grant for the scheme.

The question of allocating a grant towards the cost of the site development works is at present under consideration.