asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the damage to the Crompane Bridge, near Youghal, Co. Cork, has not yet been repaired; that many heavy ratepayers living over a large area served by the bridge are very seriously inconvenienced; to ask what action, if any, it is intended to take to compel the Cork County Council or other Local Authority responsible for the repair and maintenance of this and many other destroyed bridges in Cork County to restore this bridge.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF CORK BRIDGES.
The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. It is estimated that the reconstruction of this bridge will cost £2,500. The total estimated cost of repairing and reconstructing damaged bridges in the County is £163,961, and provision was not made by the Council in their rate estimates for the carrying out of this work. As regards the particular bridge referred to, I have not sufficient information before me as to whether rebuilding could be undertaken during the winter. If an application is made by the County Council for a loan for the purpose of rebuilding, the matter will receive immediate consideration.
Advances will be made from the Road Fund in the Spring of next year in connection with damaged bridges. The Road Fund will not receive until next month the first contributions from the special sixpenny rates under the Damage to Property (Compensation) Act, 1923.