asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the present position regarding the provision of a new post office at Carlow.

The planning of the proposed new post office buildings at Carlow cannot be completed pending the outcome of a public inquiry in connection with the proposed acquisition by Carlow County Council of land, including portion of the post office site, for a new main road and county council buildings. I understand that the public inquiry will be held shortly and am hopeful that plans for the post office buildings can therefore be completed at an early date.