asked the Minister for Local Government when funds will be available to erect a new bridge over the river Blackwater at Keale, Millstreet, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Bridge.
104.
A decision to provide a new bridge at this location is a matter for Cork County Council. I will consider the question of grant assistance if and when an acceptable scheme of work is submitted to my Department.
This bridge is in a bad state of repair. If Cork County Council submit proposals to the Minister will he look favourably on them?
In July, 1968, following representations, inquiries were made from the county engineer as to whether there were any proposals for the reconstruction of the bridge. In reply, the acting county engineer said that there were plans for a reconstruction scheme at an estimated cost of £40,000. A formal application for a special bridge grant was made some days later. That was in July, 1968. The bridge was inspected in October, 1968, by the assistant chief engineering adviser on structures. It was suggested to the chief engineer that as the bridge appeared to be in a sound condition and widening of the structure might obviate the necessity for reconstruction that the cost of the two alternative proposals— widening of the bridge and realigning of the road, or the construction of a new bridge downstream from the existing bridge—should be examined by the council. No further approach has been made to the Department in the matter.
Will the Minister look favourably on it?