Cangy Bridge, which is part of the proposed Dunleer by-pass, was completed earlier this year.
The closing date for the receipt of tenders for the main contract for the by-pass was 22 June 1990. My Department are currently awaiting a recommendation from Louth County Council regarding the appointment of a contractor. Subject to the acceptability of the local authority's recommendation and subject to the provision of the usual performance bonds, insurances and a valid C2 or tax clearance certificate by the contractor, I would expect work on the main contract to commence in September and to take about three years to complete.
The level of employment on construction works will be a matter for the contractor. It is expected that the proposed by-pass, which is 10 km in length, will cost £24 million, in 1989 prices. The Community Support Framework adopted for Ireland for the five-year period to 1993 provides for assistance at a rate of 75 per cent for improvement works on national primary routes. The proposed by-pass is expected to qualify for this rate of EC assistance.