asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Kildare County Council are anxious that the Herbertstown branch of the canal should be closed for traffic purposes so that the council may erect a new bridge on a less steep incline instead of the present dangerous bridge on this, the main road to the whole South of Ireland; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Herbertstown (Kildare) Canal Bridge.
I am aware that a proposal has been made by the Kildare County Council for the construction of a new bridge over the Herbertstown branch of the Grand Canal to replace the existing bridge. The construction of the bridge would close the canal to navigation. Córas Iompair Éireann, before agreeing to the proposal, would require an order from the Transport Tribunal releasing it from its obligation to keep the canal open for navigation.
I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that before applying for the necessary order, certain outstanding points require to be settled with the county council. The county council were invited in March, 1951, to suggest a suitable date for discussion but have rot yet done so.
Will the Minister bear in mind the inadvisability of closing any portion of the canal without giving the matter very careful consideration?
Certainly. The Minister will not be called upon to make a decision until he has received a report from the Transport Tribunal.