asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs what plans he has for the improvement and development of Clonmel post office; and when he expects such plans to be put into effect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonmel Post Office.
60.
A comprehensive scheme for improving the Official accommodation at Clonmel envisages the provision, firstly of an automatic telephone exchange, engineering stores and garages and, secondly, the enlargement of the public office and clerical accommodation.
A contract for preparatory demolition and site clearance work has been placed by the Office of Public Works, and work is expected to start in the near future.
Planning for the main scheme is still proceeding. I am not yet in a position to forecast when building work is likely to commence.
Can the Minister hazard a better guess than "the near future"? Can he give us an indication that this work, long over-due, will commence within a reasonable length of time?
When I said "near future", I was referring to part of the work. The Deputy knows that when he asked a similar question in November last, we had advertised for contractors for the demolition and site clearance work and the response was not satisfactory. It was re-advertised and the contract has since been placed. I take it the contractor is ready to start. The contract was placed on 22nd February.
I take it the necessary moneys will be available?
The scheme has not been held up for money.