asked the Minister for Finance if he is in a position to state when work will commence on the Dunkellin drainage scheme, County Galway.

The investigation of a scheme for the Dunkellin catchment is proceeding and it is expected that a preliminary report and estimate of cost will be ready about March, 1971. If the scheme is economic the statutory requirements of local exhibition, consideration of observations submitted by interested parties and consultation with other Government Departments will have to be complied with before works are put in hands. All going well the works stage may be reached in 1972.