asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding the work on the bridge across the Shannon at Shannonbridge, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In consequence of a recent meeting in my Department attended by officers from the Commissioners of Public Works and from Offaly County Council the Council undertook to prepare plans for the permanent replacement of the section of the bridge which at present is served by a Bailey bridge and for the strengthening and grouting of the remaining sections of the bridge. The council submitted the plans to me on 25 March 1981.