asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that, notwithstanding some recent minor repairs to the Halfpenny Bridge in Dublin, it is still in a very dangerous condition for pedestrians; when Dublin Corporation will provide a safe walking surface on the bridge; and if in the meanwhile the corporation will exhibit notices that persons using the bridge do so at their own risk as the corporation will not pay compensation for any injury or loss caused by the state of the bridge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Condition of Dublin Bridge.
19.
The matters raised by the Deputy fall to be considered by Dublin Corporation.
I understand that the corporation propose to renew the decking of the bridge next month and that, pending the redecking of the bridge, such minor repairs as are necessary are carried out from time to time.
I understand, further, that the corporation do not propose to exhibit notices on the lines mentioned by the Deputy.
Is the Minister not aware that Dublin Corporation have received innumerable claims for compensation arising out of the extremely dangerous condition of this bridge over the past 12 months and that because of the present position of the law those people have no redress although it is obvious to the engineer and all those concerned that this bridge is in an intolerably dangerous condition?
I am not so aware. As I pointed out, Dublin Corporation have the matter in hands.
Of course, the Minister is aware that his predecessor who occupied his position for some not inconsiderable time did not do anything about this. Since then Dublin Corporation have done only minor works but have not made the bridge safe. In this day of stilleto heels, it is not good enough to have this bridge, the Halfpenny Bridge, in a condition in which there are at least 100 traps in it.
If the Deputy will get in touch with some member of the Dublin Corporation something might be done.
The Deputy has no intention whatsoever of wasting more time on Dublin Corporation. He has been after them for years.
If Deputy Ryan will get in touch with Deputy Dowling, he might get some help from him.
If the Minister spent some time on the same operation, it would be better.