asked the Minister for Local Government whether the loss of use of the bridge at Fiddown is very severely felt, as there is a great deal of traffic between the counties of Kilkenny and Waterford, and there is no bridge available over the River Suir between Waterford and Carrick-on-Suir for a distance of over twenty miles, and when it is proposed to start re-construction of this bridge, which is badly wanted and would give a good deal of employment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FIDDOWN BRIDGE.
The reconstruction of railway bridges is not a matter which comes within the functions of the Ministry of Local Government. Some representations on the matter have been received, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce have been asked to communicate with the Railway Company and to point out to them the urgency of carrying out the work. The Deputy will be informed of the result.
Arising out of that answer, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware that this is not a railway bridge at all? It is a bridge across a river.
It is a bridge that was put up by the Railway Company in consideration of getting the concession of changing the railway from one side of the river to the other.
It is not a question of who erected the bridge. Is the Minister aware that this is a passenger bridge, and may I suggest, with all due respect, that it is? I would like to know what steps are being taken for the restoration of traffic across it.
This bridge was put up by the Railway Company and maintained by the Railway Company, and I assume that they are responsible for remedying any damage.
Is it not proposed that the Local Government Department should take any steps in regard to this matter?
We have taken the steps I have mentioned.
But if the Railway Company does not replace the damage done, surely the Local Government Department has powers to see that the bridge is put into immediate repair by the people responsible for it—by whom will these powers be exercised?
When they refuse, that question will arise.
Will the Local Government Department make representations to the Railway Company to see if they will replace the bridge?
We have done so, through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. I answered that at first.