asked the Minister for the Environment the progress made to date in the provision of a high level bridge over the River Suir at Waterford city and the procedures remaining before building of the bridge can commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford City Bridge.
17.
I informed Waterford Corporation on 12 June last that I was prepared to hold a public local inquiry into their application for a bridge order for a new high level bridge over the river Suir when the corporation had clarified the position in regard to the acquisition of necessary lands for the bridge and its approach roads. At the same time I asked the corporation to proceed immediately with arrangements for the replacement of Redmond Bridge, which their consultants had reported to be in a dangerous condition. I intimated that the latter project would afford Waterford Corporation an opportunity to review the implications of the high level bridge proposal, particularly in regard to environmental and financial aspects and present and future traffic needs, and that information of this nature would need to be available for presentation at an inquiry into the corporation's application for a bridge order. I have also told the corporation that if compulsory purchase order proceedings for the acquisition of necessary lands proved to be necessary it would be desirable to hold the statutory inquiry at the same time as the inquiry into the application for a bridge order.
It is now a matter for Waterford Corporation to ascertain the necessary information for submission to my Department to enable a date to be set for the inquiry.
I have recently approved, in principle, proposals by Waterford Corporation for the construction of a new low level bridge across the River Suir adjacent to Redmond Bridge.
I thank the Minister for that comprehensive reply, but can he indicate whether Waterford Corporation should proceed now to acquire the lands necessary for the bridge or have the Department issued the necessary sanctioning of the design for this bridge? Is the Minister aware that there appears to be dissatisfaction as to the correct procedure in order to arrive at a situation where the bridge can be proceeded with?
There should not be any confusion in this regard. I made the position absolutely clear to the corporation regarding what they should do in order to permit me to set up the inquiry. When they comply with what was requested I shall set a date for the inquiry without any delay, as has happened in other areas regarding bridge orders. It was made clear not only to members of Waterford Corporation but to officials of the corporation, as the Deputy will recall, that this was the position. That was confirmed by letter. Consequently, as I said in my reply, it is now a matter for the corporation to ascertain the necessary information and submit it to my Department so that a date may be set for the inquiry.
Is the problem one of bridging finance?