asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the proposal to erect three fixed bridges on the Eglington canal will have a serious effect on the future development of Lough Corrib as a tourist potential; and, if so, whether he will review his decision and have erected three swivel bridges instead; further, if, in view of the already heavy burden of local taxation, he will have the total cost of these bridges met by means of a grant from the National Development Fund.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Canal Bridges.
The position regarding these bridges is that an order was made on the 5th February, 1949, by the Minister for Industry and Commerce authorising the Lough Corrib Navigation Trustees to abandon the bridges and the navigation thereunder. On the abandonment of the navigation, the bridges were declared to be public roads by the local authority, which decided that they should be replaced by fixed bridges. It appears that the local authority decided on this course in view of the limited extent to which the navigation had been used in the past, its present condition and the heavy cost involved in restoring it, and the extra cost involved in building opening as distinct from fixed bridges. The local authority have proceeded with the preliminaries for the work of constructing the bridges and have been advised that a Road Fund grant will be available. This grant will amount to 75 per cent. of the estimated cost of the work.