asked the Minister for Local Government (1) whether he has received a proposal from the County Manager, Kildare, for the compulsory acquisition of land at Naas for housing purposes; (2) the date on which the proposal was received; and (3) what is the cause of the delay in communicating a decision to the County Manager.

A compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of an area of approximately 5½ acres at Naas for housing purposes was received in my Department on 6th July, 1961.

Objections against the confirmation of the order were received and a public inquiry was held on 12th December, 1961. The evidence tendered at this inquiry was not considered to be sufficient to enable me to make a decision in the case and the inquiry was reopened on 28th September, 1962. I have received the inspector's report on the reopened inquiry and a formal decision is being prepared for issue to the parties concerned.

Has the decision yet been issued?

No; it will issue to the parties concerned within a matter of days.