asked the Minister for Finance when work will commence for the reconstruction and rebuilding of the bridge at Coole, Ferbane, County Offaly; and if he will confirm that work will commence immediately in view of the severe hardship which is being experienced by landowners in the area since October 1984 when the accident happened putting the bridge out of use and also in view of the fact that the landowners in the area agreed to forego the building of a temporary structure by the Office of Public Works, to enable the Office of Public Works use a proper allocation of moneys to build a permanent structure this year.

It is expected that a contract for the construction of the bridge at Coole, Ferbane, County Offaly, will be placed this summer.

I am glad that the contract is being arranged for this summer. The farmers of that area, who have suffered considerable hardship as a result of the collapse of the bridge, are very concerned about when the new bridge will be constructed. Perhaps the Minister might indicate when it will be built so that they may use it?

I am not sure that I can answer that question categorically. All I can say is that the money is available to do the job this year. Subject to no snags arising in relation to the competitive tender, I can foresee no immediate delay. It is our intention to go ahead straight away with the building of the bridge.

May we take it, as the question which I asked related to when work would commence on reconstruction and rebuilding of the bridge, that if a contract is to be signed in the summer the bridge will be constructed by perhaps the end of autumn?

As the Deputy is probably aware, a similar question was put down by Deputy Enright on 23 November 1985. He was informed at that time by the Minister for Finance that works were expected to commence in the summer of 1986. I have just reiterated that. All the necessary on site investigations have been completed and contract documents have been prepared for the erection of the bridge. Arrangements are being made to invite tenders in the very near future. Provided, as I said, that no undue difficulties or complications are experienced in the receipt or examination of tenders, a contract will be placed this summer. The length of time that it will take actually to do the work I am not aware of, but if the Deputy is interested in that time scale I shall correspond with him.

Do I take it that the necessary site investigations have been completed and is the Minister satisfied with the investigations that have taken place? Further, will it be the Board of Works who will carry out the works, or will it be let out for tender to private contractors?

It will be to a private contractor. We are satisfied in relation to onsite investigations and all necessary work in that regard has been completed. It will be going to competitive tender.