asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has yet received a report from the E.S.B. in connection with the proposed scheme for the development of the Cummeragh River, Waterville, County Kerry, and, if not, if he will ascertain from the board the cause of the delay in furnishing him with the report.

I have not yet received the report referred to. As the Deputy has already been informed, the board are examining certain problems which have arisen in connection with the proposed scheme. I am satisfied that there has been no avoidable delay in dealing with the matter.

Is there any truth in the statement that certain vested interests made representation to hold up this scheme? I would be glad if the Minister would clarify that point.

No vested interests made any representation to me. The position is that the E.S.B. is now examining a detailed report from its fishery adviser on the possibility that the establishment of the station there might cause damage to the spawning beds and that there might be other interference generally with local fisheries which I think everyone desires to continue unimpaired.