andMr. O'Gorman asked the Minister for Local Government if he will indicate (i) the progress made by the firm of contractors carrying on the borings for the proposed new bridge over the River Blackwater at Youghal; (ii) when construction is likely to commence and (iii) whether, in view of the serious loss to the trading community of Youghal, and the agricultural community of the County of Waterford, he will take steps to have this matter expedited at the earliest opportunity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blackwater River Bridge.
I understand that four trial borings have been made out of the total of 13. The consulting engineer to the Cork County Council has submitted a report to that body on the progress made; it is primarily for the county council to consider that report and decide whether any action on their part is necessary to expedite the work.
It is not possible to indicate at this stage when construction of the bridge is likely to commence. The Cork County Council have been asked to submit a preliminary report on various matters which require to be investigated before a local inquiry could be held, and the borings are being carried out as part of these investigations. The local inquiry is an essential legal preliminary to the making of a bridge order.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that sufficient progress has been made with the borings, in view of the fact that only two men have been employed there for the past six months? Does he realise that something drastic must be done if we are to see the bridge built in this generation. Nothing has been done since 1938.
On the face of it, it does seem that the progress with regard to the borings has been unusually slow. I would not be prepared to give a direct opinion at this stage until the opinion of the Cork County Council is sought. I am informed that the contract provides for a period of six months. Five months of that period have elapsed, and only four borings out of 13 have been carried out. I propose to get in touch with the Cork County Council to see what plans they have to speed up these borings and complete the other nine. When the borings have been completed, it will then be possible to have the local inquiry held.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if there was any reason given by the Cork County Council for the long period of delay?
No. I have just explained to Deputy O'Gorman that, on the face of it, it seems that progress has been unusually slow, but I would not be prepared to give an expression of opinion pending the receipt of the opinion of the Cork County Council.