asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the present condition of the bridge over the Blackwater at Youghal militates seriously against the town of Youghal in its business transactions with County Waterford, and also from a tourist point of view; and if the Minister will state what is the present position as regards the reconstruction of this bridge and if he will now expedite the completion of plans for such reconstruction, so that the work may commence as soon as ever the necessary materials become available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Youghal Bridge.
The existing bridge carries all normal traffic up to a limit of three tons, and if there has been any restriction on business transacting between Youghal and County Waterford I do not think it can be attributed to the condition of the bridge. The curtailment of motor and omnibus traffic has not been confined to Youghal. It has been widespread, and is due to causes of which the Deputy is well aware. There has been no change in the position as explained in the reply given to the Deputy on the 5th March, 1940, except a further deterioration in the income of the Road Fund from which the two local authorities concerned were seeking substantial grants towards the reconstruction of the bridge. The manner of financing the cost of reconstruction is of primary importance and does not appear to have been adverted to in the question. It must not be assumed that the reconstruction of the bridge rests with my Department. The cost of reconstruction of the bridge, including the cost of preparation of plans, will be a charge on the councils concerned, subject to whatever grant may be allocated from the Road Fund. In the present condition of the fund there is no prospect of making any such grant and as I believe the cost of reconstruction would otherwise be beyond the financial capacity of the local bodies, I do not at present propose to proceed with further consideration of the matter.
Mr. Broderick
In his answer, the Minister stated that the existing bridge did not curtail traffic. That is not exactly the state of affairs. The traffic is curtailed and diverted to the other side, to the neighbouring county, as beet and other goods cannot be brought across.