asked the Minister for the Environment the estimated total cost for the bridge at present under construction at Limerick; and the estimated date of completion.

On 6 November, 1985 my Department approved Limerick Corporation's proposal to accept a tender, in the sum of £3,367,555.76, including VAT, for the Mallow Street Bridge contract. The contract provides for the construction of the bridge together with ancillary road works. Excluding these ancillary road works, the amount included in respect of the bridge and preliminary works is approximately £2.7 million.

Work on the construction of the bridge commenced in April 1986. The contract period is 22 months.