asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the delay in the building of the low level bridge over the River Suir in Waterford city: if he intends to expedite the building of this bridge which is badly needed in view of the condition of Redmond Bridge: and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have recently approved preliminary drawings in respect of this project and have made road grants totalling £250,000 available to the corporation for the purpose this year. Development of the project rests with Waterford Corporation who have been asked to expedite the preparation of final documents by their consultants.

Is the Minister satisfied about the safety of Redmond Bridge at present?

I am reasonably satisfied with the condition of Redmond Bridge. As I said, we have been asking the local authority to expedite the starting of work on the new bridge and to expedite each stage. With this in view the city manager and the city engineer had discussions recently with the consultants. I hope this will speed up the matter. In the meantime. I want to assure the Deputy that there is no danger as far as Redmond Bridge is concerned.

Did the Minister say that recently he sanctioned the working drawings in connection with the new bridge?

That is right.

Could the Minister say how long it is since he sanctioned the working drawings? How long does he envisage it will be before tenders can be invited and work will actually commence?

We gave preliminary approval in April 1979. In September we gave approval to proceeding with the design stage. We gave approval in principle to the structure form on 22 April 1980. In January 1981 the corporation submitted their preliminary drawings. These were approved recently. We are now asking the corporation to proceed to the design stage.

The Minister said the working drawings were approved recently. That is the question I asked. Is the Minister aware that he tended to give the impression that he had asked Waterford Corporation to expedite this work as if there had been some delay on their part? Would the Minister not agree that the position would be clearer if he indicated that he gave that approval to Waterford Corporation very recently?

I should like to put it the other way. There has been no delay so far as this Department are concerned.

I did not say that.

We have been asking the corporation to expedite all the necessary steps along the line. It was only in January of this year that the corporation presented the preliminary drawings and we approved them immediately.

Ceist 29. I have allowed sufficient supplementaries.

I asked the Minister when did he approve the working drawings.

In January.

Will the Minister please reply to the next question?

They were submitted and approved in January.