asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any plans to sanction a toll bridge as part of the third and fourth stages of the Dundalk river by-pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dundalk River By-pass.
157.
On 24 October 1989, I announced that phases 3 and 4 of the Dundalk Inner Relief Road will be implemented, subject to the outcome of any statutory proceedures that may arise. Recently, discussions were held with officials of the local authority regarding the detailed design, land acquisition, commencement and financing of the scheme. It is envisaged that the estimated cost of this scheme — £6 million — may be financed by a combination of EC grants, funding from the private sector and State grants.
In recent years, it has been represented that the private sector may be prepared to contribute to the cost either: (a) on the basis of tolling the scheme; (b) a payment in respect of the development potential of the land adjoining the route; and (c) a combination of (a) and (b).
The local authority have been asked for their observations on the prospects of private sector funds for the scheme. In law, the tolling of a road project is a matter for the local authority, subject to statutory procedures, which include approval by the Minister to the toll scheme.