asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether a decision has been made to build a number of wooden barges for use on the canal system to relieve the pressure on the transport service; and, if so, whether consideration will be given to the suitability of the Board of Works workshops at Athy as a place at which to build these barges.

It has been decided to build a number of wooden barges for use on the canals. I am informed, however, by the Office of Public Works that the facilities available at their workshops at Athy would be unsuitable for this purpose.