asked the Minister for Finance if he has received an application from Galway County Council for a loan of £786,000 in connection with the proposed Athenry sewerage scheme; and, if so, when this loan will be approved.

The loan in question has been approved and the Commissioners of Public Works have advised Galway County Council accordingly. The county council sent in an application on 2 February for an instalment of the loan. This is being processed at present and payment will be made when the appropriate fees are lodged.