asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received a request from the Cork County Council that the boroughs represented by the Cork and Waterford Corporations be included as contributors to the cost of Youghal bridge in view of the fact that over 60 per cent. of the average traffic over the present bridge during the past ten years consisted of vehicles of city registration; whether he is aware that, in acknowledgment of that fact, the Waterford Corporation unanimously decided on a contribution of 3d. in the £ per annum; and, if so, if he proposes to accede to the request.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Youghal Bridge—Contributors to Cost.
I have received such a request from Cork County Council. The Cork Corporation objected to that proposal, however, and pointed out that they were not seeking any contribution from neighbouring road authorities to the cost of bridges which they propose to replace. I have given the matter careful consideration, and have decided that the Road Fund grant which is being made towards the cost of the work may be regarded as a reasonable contribution from road users outside the areas of the local authorities immediately concerned. Consequently the Cork and Waterford Corporations are not being required to contribute towards the cost of the new bridge.
Has the Minister considered the cost of the two bridges concerned, Parnell Bridge in Cork and Youghal bridge? Has the Minister any idea of the comparative cost of the two bridges?
I see that the Deputy went fully into the matter when Deputy Smith was Minister for Local Government and all I can do is to endorse the reply my predecessor gave. Is this the end of round two or is it the K.O.?
Has the Minister any objection to having a toll gate erected on this bridge so that non-contributors can pay their way?
I would like to hear what the Lord Mayor of Cork and the corporation have to say with regard to that.
That is their business. Is the Minister aware that over 60 per cent. of the average traffic over that bridge is either Cork City traffic or Waterford City traffic? The Waterford Corporation realising that decided on a contribution of 3d. in the £, but Cork Corporation——
The Deputy is making a speech.
Would the Minister think it more reasonable to put a toll gate on O'Connell Bridge in Dublin and charge all the people passing over it? Such a scheme might tend to help the Government and Dublin Corporation to finance housing.
That is a separate question.