asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding the proposed construction of a new bridge in Enniscorthy, County Wexford; if all the relevant property purchases have been completed; if finance has been allocated by his Department for construction to take place in 1988; when he envisages construction commencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Enniscorthy (Wexford) New Bridge.
119.
On 9 June, 1986, contract documents for the proposed new bridge in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, were approved by my Department.
A compulsory purchase order for land required for the approach roads to the bridge was confirmed on 4 May, 1987. I understand that the notices to treat have since been served by Wexford County Council on the property owners.
A road grant allocation of £200,000 has been made in 1988 which will be required to meet property acquisition costs. This allocation is in addition to the £67,318 already paid to the local authority up to the end of 1987.
It was not possible to provide sufficient funds to allow construction work on the proposed bridge to commence in 1988. The question of funding for this scheme will be reconsidered when the 1989 road grant allocations are being determined.