asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that Mayo County Council was informed by his Department that there was no money available for the construction of a bridge over the River Moy at Cloonacanna, Swinford; and that in view of the urgent need for the provision of this bridge Mayo County Council was obliged to provide the money from road funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Moy Bridge.
28.
It is not correct to say that Mayo County Council were informed that no money was available for construction of the bridge referred to. It was originally the council's intention to finance this work which is located on a county road with the aid of their annual county road improvement grant; this is the normal means employed by county councils to finance the construction of bridges on county roads. The council subsequently decided to seek a loan for the purpose. They were advised by my Department on 12th May last that there was no immediate prospect of loan accommodation for the work, and that an indication could not then be given as to when such accommodation might be expected. They were invited to consider adopting their original proposal for financing the work, to enable it to be put in hands at an early date, and I understand that they recently decided to do so.