asked the Minister for the Environment the proposed location of the central waste facility for which £400,000 has been provided in the 1984 public capital programme.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 342 to 346 of 14 December last in which I dealt with various aspects of the proposed central waste facility including the reasons for the selection of a site at Baldonnel.

Is the Minister prepared to give further information on the progress made on the proposed facility. I am aware that £400,000 was included in the Estimate this year, on which I spoke when it was before the House.

I met elected representatives and their constituents on 7 March and took the opportunity to stress the need for the facility. I told them that the most stringent precautions would be observed in the design and the preparation of work on the facility. The Deputy should refer to my replies last December for further information.

When is it proposed to commence work on the site?

The site has been acquired and the money has been provided in the Estimate. It is hoped work will begin this year.