(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment when 85 homes in course of erection in Cootehill, County Cavan will be completed and allocated; and if he will explain the unreasonable delay and give the expected date of completion.

I understand from Cavan County Council that they had expected to complete their 80 house scheme in Cootehill last March. However, delays occurred in the completion of the scheme when sewer lines for the scheme had to be re-routed because of the difficult terrain. Furthermore, it was discovered that water was infiltrating the sewer pipes and this problem is being rectified at present. Despite these difficulties, the council have informed my Department that they expect the scheme to be completed by the end of July, or in early August, 1979. As soon as the scheme is handed over by the contractors to the council the houses will be allocated to applicants on the council's approved housing waiting list in accordance with their scheme of letting priorities.

(Cavan-Monaghan): May I take it from that reply that the Minister's information is that the house should be allocated within the next month?

The scheme will be completed and handed over to the council about the end of July or in early August and it will then be a matter for the council to carry out the necessary procedures regarding allocation.

(Cavan-Monaghan): The general opinion down there is that the delay is unreasonable. There are many people living in unsuitable flats who were waiting for adequate housing.

The Deputy is imparting information.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Consequently, I would ask the Minister to request the council to treat this matter of the allocation as a question of urgency.

Yes.