asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the closing down by the Tralee and Fenit Harbour Commissioners of the lock gate bridge over the canal near Blennerville has resulted in great inconvenience to the residents of the district, and if he will make representations to the commissioners to hand over the bridge to the Tralee Urban District Council, or to the Kerry County Council, with a view to having it repaired and reopened for the benefit of the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Tralee Canal Bridge.
I am not aware that the closing down by the Tralee and Fenit Harbour Commissioners of the lock gate bridge over the canal at Blennerville has resulted in great inconvenience to residents of the district.
In 1953 the harbour commissioners informed my Department that this bridge had become unsafe for heavy traffic; that having regard to the improvements carried out at the port, there was no likelihood of the canal being used at any time in the future for shipping, and that they were not in a financial position to repair the bridge. They requested that an Order should be made to relieve them of the obligation to maintain the bridge and that it should be transferred to the Kerry County Council, who are the authority responsible for the roads which are connected by the bridge. The harbour commissioners were informed of the relevant statutory provisions and it was suggested to them that they should consult with the Kerry County Council. No further approach in the matter has been made to my Department.