asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the need to have a bridge erected across Lough Corrib, from Kilbeg to Knockferry; if his Department have received an application for grants or loans for the erection of such a bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware that there has been local interest in the development of such a project. There is no application currently before my Department for grant or loan for the erection of a bridge at this location. I should point out that a bridge which would link two county roads would normally be financed from the road authority's own resources supplemented by the general or block grant made available annually to the authority. The determination of priorities in the expenditure of such moneys is a matter for the road authority.