andMr. O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment the progress that has been made on the application by Limerick Corporation for a bridge order to construct a new bridge over the River Shannon from Mallow Street to Cleeves Bank, Limerick.

I have directed Limerick Corporation in pursuance of section 46 of the Local Government Act, 1946, to prepare and furnish to me a preliminary report on particular aspects arising from their application for a bridge order. This report is awaited.

Is the Minister aware that, in order to comply with that request, a colossal expenditure is involved? Are the Department prepared to reimburse Limerick Corporation?

That is a separate question.

I do not think that much expense is involved. All we want is the report. We have asked for particular aspects. As far as my information goes, it is a matter for the corporation to come back with the report and the matter will proceed.

With all due respect to the Minister it is quite obvious he does not even know what it involves or entails.

Indeed I do.

This is a very involved undertaking.

We will not have an argument about this.

As far as Limerick Corporation are concerned, colossal expenditure is involved in the information looked for by the Department. We are talking about boring the Shannon. That is the type of information required. I am asking the Minister are his Department prepared to reimburse Limerick Corporation.

No problem.

I do not intend to give any guarantee of that kind. If the corporation have a case to make, they should make it.

Of course they have a case. Is the Minister not delayed every week going home? We are looking for a third bridge over the Shannon.

Let them make their case.

Is the Minister prepared to say whether the Department will reimburse Limerick Corporation for the colossal expenditure involved in furnishing this information?

The Deputy asked that question twice.

I am not. I said no. I said Limerick Corporation should make their own case and we will look at the case when they make it.

Catch 22.