asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the up-to-date position regarding the Ballyglass harbour development scheme, County Mayo; and the estimated cost of the scheme.

I have offered a grant of £210,000 to the Mayo County Council towards the cost of providing a pier at Ballyglass, County Mayo. I am awaiting the council's reply. The total estimated cost of the scheme is £280,000.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary state when this offer was made to Mayo County Council?

On the 19th of April.

Do I take it that the Parliamentary Secretary is stating that Mayo County Council are holding up this operation?

I am not stating anything of the kind. I am stating that Mayo County Council did not reply to the Department's offer, made on the 19th of April, of a grant of 75 per cent towards the cost of the work, which is equivalent to £210,000. I assume that Mayo County Council meetings are held monthly and possibly they have not had an opportunity of discussing the matter.