asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he can state when the plans for the proposed bridge at Cahirciveen, County Kerry, will be available, when tenders are likely to be invited, and when the period for tendering will expire; whether he will take steps to expedite matters in this connection, as the erection of the bridge is urgently necessary, owing to the unsafe condition of the existing one; and what is the amount of the grant-in-aid given to the local authority for the purpose.

The first parts of the question are matters for the County Council. I am satisfied that the Council are anxious to have the work commenced at the earliest possible date The grant in aid is 50 per cent. of the cost, subject to a maximum grant of £3,200.