asked the Minister for Local Government what progress is being made in the necessary preparations for the erection of a bridge connecting Valentia island with the mainland; and if he will give a detailed account of the position in regard to the proposal.

The arrangements for the planning and construction of the bridge in question are primarily the responsibility of Kerry County Council. A proposal by the council that test borings be carried out at alternative sites was recently approved. It is a matter for the council to arrange to have the test borings carried out; to have the results examined and reported upon by their consultant and, in the light of that report, to submit a proposal as to the site on which the bridge should be erected.