asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction existing amongst the people and traders of Youghal and surrounding areas in regard to the prolonged delay in completing the preliminary survey of the bridge over the River Blackwater at Youghal; and if he is now in a position to state what steps, if any, have been taken to complete the survey; and, further, if such steps have been taken, when the local authorities and people interested may expect a copy of the completed survey.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Survey of Youghal Bridge.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to his question of 7th July last on this matter. The construction of a bridge over the Blackwater is primarily a matter for the local authority or authorities concerned. The Cork County Council have engaged a consulting engineer to prepare a preliminary report and I understand that he is at present engaged in carrying out investigations for the purpose.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the growing loss in trade and business to the people of Youghal, in whom I am interested, owing to the fact that this bridge has been a condemned structure for 12 months? Further, can he indicate what is the time limit within which the consulting engineer has to present his report to the Cork County Council, which is the body authorised to carry out this very long overdue survey?
I am not aware that there is any time limit or has been any time limit, but I do not think that an unreasonably long period has elapsed since the consulting engineer was appointed. He was appointed last November and it is now May. He has carried out certain work and I believe he has made a proposal to the Cork County Council to carry out some borings under the bridge to get some information as to the possibility of foundations. The Cork County Council I believe are examining that proposal, but so far no proposal has come to the Department. All parties are aware of the urgency of the matter and I do not think it can be said that there has been unusual delay since the consulting engineer was appointed.
I agree with the Parliamentary Secretary that this matter has been under consideration for the last three or four months, but it is 12 years since the bridge was condemned and we are just as near having something done in connection with the restoration of the bridge or the construction of a new bridge as in December, 1938, when the bridge was condemned as unfit for vehicles exceeding three and a half tons.
I suggest that it is a matter for the county council to get after the consulting engineer.
I think it is a matter for the Minister to get after the county council.