Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he intends to provide funding for a new bridge at Achill Island, County Mayo; his views on whether all the Achill Island residents and Mayo County Council are in support of this project; when and if funding will be available from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39728/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, this is a matter for the relevant local authority in the first instance. A draft application for funding for the construction of a new bridge at Gob an Choire, Acaill, was received very recently in my Department from Mayo County Council. The matter is being examined in the context of available funding and my Department will be in further contact with the council as soon as possible.

I did indicate on a recent visit to Achill, however, that subject to the above and to the appropriate appraisal processes, I would consider providing funds for this bridge from the strategic roads budget on a co-funded basis with the local authority and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.