asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state on what grounds he is excluding the county boroughs of Cork and Waterford from liability for the cost of the new bridge at Youghal in view of the fact that Waterford City had already guaranteed a contribution and that the bulk of the traffic over the bridge will originate from both these towns.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Youghal Bridge.
The Cork Corporation have expressed the view that since they do not intend to ask Cork County Council to contribute to the cost of the proposed new bridge to replace Parnell Bridge in Cork City, they felt it inequitable that they should be asked to contribute to the cost of Youghal Bridge and that any contribution outside the areas of the two road authorities responsible for Youghal Bridge should come from the Road Fund. This is a reasonable view, which I have accepted. In the circumstances, it would be unreasonable to require the Waterford Corporation to make a contribution.
Is the Minister aware that, on a test taken over a two months' period, 23 per cent. of the total traffic over Youghal bridge was Cork City and Waterford City merchants' traffic? Is he also aware that the Waterford Corporation were so much alive to their responsibility in this matter that they unanimously guaranteed 3d. in the £ on the rates to erect this bridge?
Which corporation?
Waterford Corporation. I am aware of the pinch-becking in Cork at all times.
That is one for the Lord Mayor.
That is one of the things we always forget. Would the Minister reconsider this?
If the Deputy pays for crossing O'Connell Bridge, I will pay for crossing this one.
There is a split over there.
It is true to say that a gesture of the nature referred to by Deputy Corry was made by Waterford Corporation, but it was made for a special reason. Some 40 years ago—I do not think there was any Road Fund in existence at all then—quite a number of local bodies interested in a bridge in Waterford contributed to its erection. The Waterford Corporation, realising the assistance they secured themselves from these outside bodies, thought it was only right that they should honour their bond and come to the assistance of their neighbours; and they made this gesture. We, on the other hand, looking at the whole position in the new situation that exists now, with the Road Fund in existence and having regard to the fact that Cork Corporation and Waterford Corporation are responsible entirely for the roads and bridges in their area, think that it would be unreasonable to ask contributions from them. It is not sensible to suggest, as Deputy Corry does, that some official should be placed at such points to determine who crossed this particular bridge, where he belonged to and if he wore nailed boots or fine shoes.
Is the Minister aware that there are people living in Castle-townbere and beyond it, some 120 miles from this bridge, who never will have an opportunity of getting enough money to go to see it, but who will have to pay for it? I wish to give notice, a Cheann Comhairle, that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
Are we to understand that Deputy McGrath, as Lord Mayor of Cork, is also raising this matter?
I will cross that bridge when I come to it.