asked the President whether his attention has been drawn to the expressions of opinion by many representative citizens of Dublin published in the "Motor News" and the daily Press, on the subject of the proposed rebuilding of the Butt Bridge and the suggested new bridges east of the Custom House and in the place of the Metal Bridge, and whether, in view of the permanent effect of any of these proposals upon the traffic problem in the capital, the Government will set up a small expert committee to inquire into the whole matter, and make early recommendations to the Government Departments and the local authorities concerned.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PROPOSED NEW LIFFEY BRIDGES.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
A Bill relating to the rebuilding and enlarging of Butt Bridge is being promoted by the Port and Docks Board. The Bill has been read a first time in the Seanad, and will come up for further consideration in that House. Petitions against the Bill have been lodged by the Commissioners of the County Borough of Dublin and the Council of the County of Dublin, and the onus will lie on the promoters to establish a case for the passage of the Bill. The Government do not intend to set up such a Committee as is proposed. The promoters have a right to have their Bill considered by the Oireachtas and the matters involved can suitably be dealt with by adopting the procedure of referring the Bill to a Joint Committee of both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Does the President take into account the difficulties arising from the costs of appearing before a Private Bill Committee? I take it this is a Private Bill. The costs in that case are heavy and rather repel objectors. This is a matter rather of public than of private interest.
Do I understand from what the Deputy states that there are people other than the Commissioners of the County Borough of Dublin and the Council of the County of Dublin who would oppose and who, by reason of the cost, may not be inclined to oppose this Bill?
That is the position, so far as the City is concerned. Of course nobody knows what the views of the Commissioners may be or the grounds of their objections, or whether they are going to oppose it actually or make merely a formal opposition for the purpose of obtaining a right of hearing.
Can the President say if the Private Bill Committee will have to hear evidence in order to approve the Preamble of the Bill and will they not have to investigate the necessity for the proposals in the Bill?
The answer is in the affirmative. I should say the costs of the promoters would be very considerable, and they must have that in mind when they are promoting a Bill for this purpose.
I have in mind the costs of the opposition, too. Opposition to a Private Bill of this nature costs a considerable sum of money and as it is rather a public matter it might be well if there could be some inquiry by a public authority rather than by a Private Bill Committee. Perhaps the President will take the matter into consideration?
Very good.