asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the amount of the grant sanctioned for the improvement of Clare Island harbour, County Mayo; (b) the date on which the grant was notified to the Mayo County Council; (c) the reasons for the delay in starting the work; and (d) when work on the project is likely to commence.

(a) The amount of the grant is £70,000, that is, 100 per cent of the estimate. (b) The grant was notified to Mayo County Council on 19th May, 1971. (c) The County council have approved the working drawings but their approval of the specification, bill of quantities and a draft agreement, which were sent a them in November, 1971, is awaited. (d) When this approval has been received tenders for the work will be invited.