asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the urgent necessity for the construction of a bridge connecting Valentia Island with the mainland and that this facility would enable the farmers resident in Valentia to increase their agricultural production by 100 per cent. and whether, in view of this, he will make arrangements to have the construction of this bridge financed from funds provided under the Marshall Aid Plan which provides for increased agricultural production in Western Europe.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valentia Island Bridge.
The provision of a bridge for the purpose of improving road communications in any particular case is primarily a matter for the appropriate local authority. There are no proposals before my Department in connection with the provision of a bridge between Valentia Island and the mainland, and no application for a grant has been made. I understand, however, that the county council is considering the appointment of a consulting engineer to make a preliminary survey in connection with this proposal. The question of the financing of the work does not arise at this preliminary stage, but I would point out that the only fund at my disposal out of which a grant for such a project could be made available is the Road Fund. The question of the making of a grant for this work from that source would depend on the position of the fund when the work was due to be undertaken.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary prepared to consider the allocation of a grant when the survey is completed?
I would not be prepared to answer that question until the preliminary survey has been completed.