asked the Minister for Local Government what is the actual position regarding proposals from Tullamore Urban Council for the extension of the sewerage system in Tullamore, County Offaly.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question of 25th May, 1965, on the same subject. I understand that the consulting engineer is still engaged in the preparation of contract documents and that he hopes to have them finalised shortly.

Is the Minister not aware that these proposals have been three years in his Department?

I would remind the Deputy they are certainly not in my Department for three years merely for the sake of being there.

Is the Minister not aware that in the town of Tullamore, there is considerable unrest in regard to this matter?

As I stated in my reply, the consulting engineer is still engaged in the preparation of contract documents and he hopes to have them finalised shortly. We cannot get anywhere until these are produced.

Tullamore is a big town and the sewerage system is in a shocking condition.