asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the reason for the delay in the commencement of the erection of a new bridge at Wexford town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford New Bridge.
The position is still as indicated to the Deputy in reply to his question of 18th February last.
Would the Minister say whether the delay is in his Department or at the local end?
I do not like to be asked to apportion blame because if I proceeded to do so I do not think the Deputy would regard me as a just judge. All I want to say is that the engineering section of my Department is in contact with the local engineering section and I do not think that any delays which have occurred could be attributed to either side.
I prefer not to call it blame. I was wondering whether the Minister was awaiting further information from the local authority or whether the local authority was awaiting further information from the Minister.
All I can say is that our people have been in close contact on this matter with the engineers of the local authority.
The delay is unavoidable?
Yes, so far as I am aware.