asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the very chaotic traffic conditions at Butt Bridge and O'Connell Bridge and having regard to the fact that any equipment needed for the construction of the proposed new bridge east of Butt Bridge can now be imported from America, he will endeavour to resolve the impasse between the Dublin Corporation and the Dublin Port and Docks Board in the matter and try to have work commenced on the new bridge during 1949.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Bridge for Dublin.
Mr. Alfred Byrne
I would refer the Deputy to my answer to a question on this matter put down by Deputy Rooney on the 2nd instant.
I am not aware of any impasse between the Dublin Port and Docks Board and the Dublin Corporation. I am informed that the matter has been informally discussed between the board, the corporation and the county council with a view to the setting up of a joint committee but that before doing so it is considered desirable to have a census taken of the traffic using Butt Bridge and O'Connell Bridge. The corporation are accordingly arranging to have an origin and destination survey made of traffic using both bridges.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that for almost 25 years similar replies have been given to similar questions? It is 25 years ago since the Port and Docks Board and the Dublin Corporation decided that we should have new bridges. In view of the preliminaries which will be necessary, will the Parliamentary Secretary not order that these preliminaries take place now and thus be ready when materials are available to proceed with the work rather than have to commence the preliminaries two or three years hence?
It is a matter entirely for the Dublin Port and Docks Board and the Dublin Corporation. I do not think it is within the scope of the Minister to start the preliminaries in the manner suggested. The 1929 Act provided that the construction of the bridge should be completed by 1936. Power was given to the Minister for Industry and Commerce to extend this time limit and, on application, this limit was extended. If the Dublin Port and Docks Board and the Dublin Corporation can resolve the difficulties the matter will be fully considered by the Minister but until they send the proposals and do the preliminary work themselves the Minister can do nothing.
In view of the fact that it is 25 years since a decision was taken in this matter would it not be much better to have the whole matter examined in view of changed conditions?
Yes. I suggest that it is a matter for the Dublin Corporation and the Dublin Port and Docks Board and Deputy MacEntee knows that as well as I do.
I know it as well.