asked the Minister for Local Government what is the present position regarding the swimming pool at Mullingar; and when he intends to give his sanction to Westmeath County Council to proceed with this work.

Westmeath County Council's proposal to build a swimming pool at Annebrook Park, Mullingar, is under consideration in my Department. I cannot say when sanction will be given to the proposal.

Will the Minister say when he received the application in question?

The full information on sub-soil conditions was received on 8th April, 1967. In July, 1965, Westmeath County Council informed the Department they had decided to provide a swimming pool at Annebrook Park, Mullingar, and the technical reports as to suitability of site, and so on, were received on 8th April, 1967.

Now that the Minister has all the information he requires, may we take it a decision will be taken in the matter in the very near future?

No. The inspector still has to inspect the site. He will furnish a report on some suggested modifications made to the county council by Mullingar Swimming Club.

Will the Minister say what, in the name of all that is holy, has caused the Department to spend two years processing a simple application for an urgently needed swimming pool in Mullingar?

(Cavan): Lack of money.

We have had the technical report only since 8th April, 1967.

And they will get another technical report next year.

Could the Minister say how much better qualified than the local engineer an inspector from his Department is to pass judgment on this site?

That is raising a new matter.

Is this not delay purely for the sake of delay?

14.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps to expedite sanction of plans submitted by Thurles Urban District Council for the proposed swimming pool at Thurles, and of the raising of a loan for this purpose.

The proposals of Thurles Urban District Council to provide a swimming pool and to raise a loan for the purpose of financing its erection are under consideration in my Department. I am not at present in a position to say when decisions will be given in these matters.