asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether arrangements could be made by which E.C.A. funds may be made available for the erection of a bridge connecting Valentia Island with the mainland, so that agricultural and mineral development may be advanced in an island the population of which is 1,200, the area 13.2 square miles, the valuation £2,931, the amount paid in annuities £1,732, the number of cows and store cattle 1,800, sheep 500, pigs 170, horses 90 and ponies 84, the cost of construction of such viaduct to be recouped by the imposition of a toll on those who use it in the same way as a toll is already being paid by those who use the passenger and cattle boats.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valentia Island Bridge.
The provision of a bridge is a matter primarily for the appropriate county council, and I understand that there are no proposals before the Department of Local Government in connection with the provision of a bridge between Valentia Island and the mainland. The question of a grant towards such a project from public funds does not, therefore, arise, but I may say that it is unlikely that Marshall Aid counterpart moneys would be available for the purpose.