asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether it is proposed to transfer the central drainage workshops at Athy to Dún Laoghaire, and if in view of the loss which the transfer would mean to local traders in Athy he will reconsider the matter with a view to the retention of the workshops at Athy.

With the completion of the Barrow drainage scheme the special circumstances justifying the placing of these workshops at Athy ceased to exist.

In the interests of efficiency and economy, the transfer of the drainage workshops from Athy to Dún Laoghaire is under consideration, but no definite decision has yet been taken.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind the considerable loss to the local traders which would result from the transfer of the works from Athy to Dún Laoghaire, and would he endeavour to examine the matter specially with a view to leaving the position undisturbed at least during the emergency situation?

Every relevant consideration will be taken fully into account.