asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is now in a position to state the result of the inquiry concerning the application for a Bridge Order for the construction of a new bridge to replace Parnell Bridge, Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Replacement of Parnell Bridge, Cork.
The application of Cork Corporation for a Bridge Order for construction of a new bridge to replace Parnell Bridge is still under examination.
The Minister is a master bluffer.
We are not talking about Youghal now.
The Deputy made use of the words "master bluffer".
I did not say that.
I said it, a Cheann Comhairle, and I withdraw the expression.
Will the Minister tell us what progress he has made in this Order? This has been going on for a couple of years. There was an application to have an inquiry held. Surely a man like the Minister, giving an answer like that, should not be the person to talk about Youghal bridge and the delay in relation to it.
That is not a supplementary question.
The position is that this is a highly technical matter. The bridge is a swivel bridge. There is a right of navigation there at the moment and it is a highly technical question as to whether the new bridge should be a swivel bridge or a permanent structure. I may tell the Deputy the matter has not yet come before me. It is being examined by my technicians. It will require very, very careful examination. But I can assure the Deputy that, when it does come before me, I shall give a decision very quickly on it.
Will the Minister tell us if he is delaying its coming before him? All the evidence was given by those interested. There was the decision of the Cork Harbour Board and the Corporation. Surely to goodness, that is not technical.
Having received evidence, one must examine it, sift it and sum up. Technical evidence was given and that must be examined in the light of the views tendered by my experts in the matter. One realises, when one reads cases in the law courts, that very often judgment has to be reserved for some months.
For years. Is the Minister competing with that?
It took us 25 years to get a bridge in Wexford.
Deputy McGrath can rest assured that the matter will be dealt with very quickly when it comes before me, but I will not rush my experts into giving advice before they have carefully considered every aspect.
The Minister told us the last time that there were more important issues at stake.
Will the Minister ensure that the erection of the Parnell bridge will not get priority over the erection of Valentia bridge?
I shall build all your bridges if you will only give me a chance.