Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This project has been under consideration for quite some time, with moneys provided from Europe, Louth County Council, the British Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. I am aware that tenders have come in. This matter must be reflected upon because of the conditions set out. I do not believe the local authority where the Deputy resides would be in a position to meet the shortfall that applies in this case, and I am not sure what can be done about it now, given the scale of the bridge and the size of the preparatory entrances on either side. We strongly support this facility; we have had a lot of engagement on it and would like to see it happen. Clearly, this is a setback in terms of the scale of the tenders that have come in, which must be examined with regard to the scale and design of the bridge. I am sure the county council will talk to the consultants about that.

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