asked the Minister for Local Government if he will ascertain from Kerry County Council the reasons for the delay in starting work on Valentia Bridge.
25.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valentia Bridge.
24.
asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the recent statement of Kerry County Manager that a tender had been accepted and that work would start on the erection of Valentia Bridge as soon as money became available, he will state when money will be made available from the Local Loans Fund for this project.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to reply to Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
I understand that Kerry County Council have instructed the County Manager to proceed with the placing of the contract for the building of Valentia Bridge and that he has directed that the contract documents be prepared for execution accordingly.
I would like to assure the Deputy and, through him, the people of Valentia Island that it is the wish of the Government that this project should get under way at the earliest practicable date. Loan facilities from the Local Loans Fund, to the extent necessary to meet the portion of the cost not recoupable from the Road Fund, will be made available as and when required by the council.
Has the requisition for moneys out of the Local Loans Fund been received from Kerry County Council in the Department?
I do not know of that. The contract documents have not been signed yet. The necessary funds will be made available as and when required.
Is the Minister aware that the County Manager has postponed the road works programme until he knows the amount of money he will get for the bridge?
He knows that well.
He is waiting until he gets that information.
He has been told.
I hope the Minister will give an increased amount over last year's figure so that we will not have more workers unemployed in Kerry.
The County Manager is well aware of what he will get for this bridge and he has directed that contract documents be prepared for execution.
The County Manager has stated that he cannot proceed with the contract documents until moneys are available. I am anxious to know whether a requisition for moneys from the Local Loans Fund has been received.
That is not what the Deputy asked. My information is that Kerry County Council have instructed the County Manager to proceed with the placing of the contract and that he has directed that contract documents be prepared for execution accordingly. I assure the Deputy that there will be no hold-up in regard to the issue of money for this purpose.
The County Manager is still waiting for a roads allocation for County Kerry. Until they get that they do not know where they are going. We expect the Minister to give us a few thousand more than last year.
How much money will he get?
He knows that. A special grant from the Road Fund of £205,000 will be available.
For a bridge costing half a million. Where are they to get the money to pay for it?
It will not cost half a million.
It probably will.