asked the Minister for the Environment when work will commence on the proposed new bridge at Enniscorthy, County Wexford.

The timing and execution of construction work on this project is primarily a matter for Wexford County Council and will depend inter alia, on the suitability of the site and the rate of progress in their planning of the project.

Wexford County Council say this bridge will be built in 1983. Would the Minister confirm that his Department have given approval for this bridge? Would he be able to give an estimate of the cost and when it will be put to tender?

I have no estimate of the cost. On 22 April 1982, approval was given to the proposal of Wexford County Council to accept the tender and to carry out investigation of ground conditions at the proposed bridge area. It is understood that these investigations are being carried out. The delay is not the fault of the Department and perhaps the Deputy will have a word with Wexford County Council and see what their response is.

6.

asked the Minister for the Environment if finance will be made available to Enniscorthy Urban Council to take over and maintain a public car park at Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, County Wexford.

There are no proposals before my Department for the provision of a car park at the location mentioned.

I do not understand the Minister's reply. A compulsory purchase order was sought by Enniscorthy Urban District Council to purchase this and our legal advisers inform us that this has been done. The development of the car park is awaiting funds from his Department.

I have no concrete proposals before me. If concrete proposals are sent in I will be very sympathetically disposed towards them.

Is the Minister denying that any compulsory purchase order has taken place?

There may have been some negotiations with Enniscorthy Urban District Council but it does not arise yet as far as my Department are concerned.

With the greatest respect, the matter does arise because, naturally, the urban council does not have the funds to finance this.

I gave the Deputy a very clear answer. There are no proposals before my Department for the provision of a car park at the location mentioned.