asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received documentation relating to a proposed toll bridge to be built over the River Liffey, Dublin; and, if so, the Government's position concerning the proposal.

While I am aware, as was publicised generally, that a proposal of this nature has been under development, no submission has been made to my Department. As the Deputy may be aware, a number of public bodies would be concerned with such a proposal, particularly the Dublin Corporation.

Has the Minister any objection in principle to the concept of a toll bridge and, secondly, can he say whether consultations have taken place at any level with his Department concerning the proposal which forms the background to my question?

As I stated in public recently, I have nothing in principle against toll bridges, but I should also like to point out that there is no firm proposal before my Department at present. If one takes the Dublin situation it rests first with the corporation and, in regard to the particular one mentioned, with the Dublin Port and Docks Board before it could arise.

Have consultations taken place at any level?

My question is on the same point.

I understand that the Dublin Port and Docks Board have had discussions. I cannot speak for the corporation.

The Minister said there was no firm proposal before his Department. Is there any proposal before his Department?

There are no firm proposals.

Are there any proposals, firm or otherwise?

Discussions, yes, but no proposals.

That is all I wanted to know.