asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on the request from Waterford and Kilkenny County Councils for additional State funding for the erection of Fiddown bridge.

The Minister of State at my Department discussed this project with representatives of both local authorities on 14 February 1983. Arising from these discussions, the authorities are reviewing the question of meeting their share of the cost in the light of the revenue resources expected to be available to them this year.

Is the Minister aware that work on this bridge is well advanced and that it is very important that the additional funding be made available? Is the Minister prepared to consider a loan from the special fund for this purpose?

Arising from the recent meeting which took place between the Minister of State at my Department and the two local authorities involved——

We should not have two Deputies standing at the same time.

As I was saying, arising from the meeting between the Minister of State at my Department and the two local authorities involved in this bridge project, it seems that the onus is now on the local authorities to reconsider the position to see if they can meet their share of the costs in the light of the discussions held.

That is not a satisfactory answer. In view of the amount of work that has been done on that project would the Minister agree that funding from the 1983 Road Fund will leave moneys short elsewhere that are required for other projects? In view of the situation existing there, will the Minister consider an allocation from the special loans fund which is acceptable to both councils?

I will have a look at the Deputy's suggestion and get back to the two local authorities at the earliest possible date.