asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the cause of the delay on the part of the Kerry County Council in undertaking the construction of a new road bridge over the Feale-Cashen river at Ardcullen, Meevoe, Ballyduff, North Kerry, to replace the existing unsafe ferry bridge; how soon the contract for the proposed new bridge is likely to be placed; and in what proportions the cost is to be borne by the local authority, Government grant, and the office of Public Works.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Feale-Cashen Bridge.
I am informed that a lengthy examination of the site for this bridge, including borings, was necessary before final plans could be prepared. These have now been approved and the submission of contract documents is awaited. When these documents have been approved the county council will be in a position to invite tenders for the execution of the work.
A Road Fund Grant of £18,750 or 75 per cent. of the cost, whichever is the lesser, has been allocated to the council towards the cost of the new bridge. The Office of Public Works have notified the council that they are not prepared to make any contribution towards the cost, and the balance, after taking credit for the Road Fund Grant, will be met by the council.