asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the grave inconvenience caused to the public by the closure of Fiddown bridge over the River Suir; if he will take steps to have the bridge taken over by the local authorities for public use; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - River Suir Bridge.
139.
Cavan): As the Deputy is aware, Fiddown bridge, which was constructed by the Waterford and Limerick Railway Company under the provisions of the Waterford and Limerick Railway (Deviations) Act, 1851, originally gave access to Fiddown railway station. This station has, however, been closed since 1964 and the bridge, which links Counties Waterford and Kilkenny across the river Suir, is now used exclusively for road traffic purposes.
CIE are still responsible for maintenance of the bridge and I am advised by the board that it was found necessary on 11th March, 1977, to close the bridge to vehicular traffic, in the interests of safety, to enable repairs to be carried out. CIE hope to be able to reopen the bridge in a few weeks' time.
I understand that CIE approached the Waterford and Kilkenny County Councils on a number of occasions with a view to having the Fiddown bridge transferred to these authorities but that neither county council would agree to the board's proposal.