asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs when work is expected to commence on the construction of a new post office in Longford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longford Post Office.
149.
It is not possible at this stage to give a precise date for commencement of building work on the new post office at Longford but the Commissioners of Public Works advise that, provided no unforeseen delays occur, it is hoped to commence the work in the latter half of 1973.
In view of the strategic situation of the premises acquired for the new post office in Longford, would the Minister try to arrange for the early building of the new post office? The building in question has been acquired for a number of years. It is now more or less a derelict and decaying site in the middle of this county town. In view of the fact that new accommodation is urgently required by the post office employees in Longford, could the Minister arrange for priority to be given to this job?
I understand that a good deal of preliminary planning has been done on this project. Outline planning permission has been obtained. The first sketch plan produced by the Office of Public Works did not fully meet the requirements of my Department and a revised sketch plan is being prepared. The Office of Public Works advise that this plan will be available in June of this year. This sketch plan will then have to be approved before the actual working drawings can be produced and they, in turn, will have to be approved before tenders are sought by the Office of Public Works. I can assure the Deputy that this will be given top priority and everything we can possibly do to speed it up will be done.
I am obliged to the Minister.