asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state with reference to the Ferry Bridge, Ballyduff (1) the date on which the county council originally decided that a new bridge was to be built, (2) the estimated cost of the proposed new bridge, (3) how the cost of erection will be apportioned as between (a) the local authority and (b) his Department, (4) whether the Office of Public Works (Feale drainage) is contributing to the cost, and (5) how soon work on the erection will start.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ferry Bridge, Ballyduff.
I have no information as to the date on which the Kerry County Council originally decided that a new bridge be built in this case. Regarding the second part of the question the latest available information indicates that the estimated cost will be about £35,000. A Road Fund grant of £18,750 has been allocated to the council on the basis of a preliminary estimate of the cost. The question of revising the amount of the grant will be considered when a firm estimate of the cost is available. 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 therefore be met by the council.
I am not in a position to say when work on the erection of the bridge will commence. Contract documents for the work were finally approved on 22nd November, 1957. The question of inviting tenders for the work will be a matter for the county council when all the necessary lands and other rights have been acquired.