asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the proposed new bridge across the River Corrib at Newcastle, Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Corrib Bridge.
30.
This project is the responsibility of Galway Corporation. No proposals have been made to me in the matter.
Surely there has been some communication between the Department and the local authority on this matter? Otherwise, the Minister's information is incorrect.
The matter of construction of a bridge at this location and a road connecting the Headford Road with Newcastle Road is of long standing. It was supported in the 1969 Buchanan model plan for Galway as a link in a northern ring road system. A soil survey was carried out by Galway County Council and on 30th June, 1970, the council adopted a resolution formally approving in principle the construction of the bridge and authorising detailed studies. In December, 1972, the council estimated the cost at £430,000—incidentally, the 1974 price would be about £500,000. On 1st April, 1973, the Galway Corporation became responsible for the project when they resumed the exercise of road functions which previously had been exercised by the county council. No formal proposal regarding this project has been submitted to the Department either by Galway County Council or Galway Corporation.
Has the Minister authorised the preparation of a scheme for this bridge?
There is no proposal from the county council or the corporation to do anything in the matter.