asked the Minister for Finance if he will give consideration to the setting up of a machinery yard in Ballinrobe, County Galway, for the duration of the Robe/Mask drainage scheme.

It is intended to use an existing depot, which the Commissioners of Public Works have at Headford, County Galway, to service the proposed Corrib-Mask-Robe drainage scheme. Ballinrobe would be considered if an additional depot should be required later.

I do not want the Minister to change the depot from Headford, but would he not agree that it would be very practical for the movement of heavy machinery to have a machinery depot in Ballinrobe which is in the centre of the area to be drained?

I am advised that this is the most convenient. As the Deputy knows, this depot belonged to the Board of Works.

I understand it is most convenient, but to have a temporary depot in Ballinrobe for the duration of the drainage scheme for holding large equipment in the area to be serviced would be desirable.

I assure the Deputy that as the scheme progresses I will keep an eye on that aspect of it.

If I were to bring a suitable site to the notice of the Minister would he consider it?

We agree that there is a suitable site, but Headford is the most convenient at this stage. I will keep it under consideration.