§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the drainage division of the Department of Agriculture, Northern Ireland, first received a report of a tree lying across the arch of the bridge on the Cullycapple road, County Londonderry; and why it was not removed before the flood of 21 October.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 10 November 1987]: The report was received on 19 October 1987, but high water levels on 20 October prevented the removal of the fallen tree from the river. The tree was removed on 27 October when water levels had fallen sufficiently to allow the work to proceed.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the bridge over the Agivey river on the Cullycapple road to be replaced and the road reopened for traffic; whether he intends to erect a temporary bridge or a permanent structure in the first instance; and what is the estimated cost of the replacement.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer, 10 November 1987]: It is intended to erect a temporary Bailey bridge in the first instance. The road is scheduled to reopen on Monday 15 November 1987. The design of the permanent replacement bridge will be included in the current emergency repair programme and construction will take place as soon as possible. The estimated cost of a permanent replacement bridge is £110,000.