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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Dec 1988

Vol. 385 No. 7

Written Answers. - Dublin Pedestrian Bridge.

134.

asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the overhead pedestrian bridge over Knockmaroon Hill, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, connecting both sides of Holy Angels special school, Glenmaroon, has had to be taken down under instruction from the dangerous building section of the local authority; that as a result there is serious danger to the children who have to cross the busy road to get from one part of the school to the other; in the circumstances, if he will approve expenditure for the erection of a new pedestrian bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the corridor bridge which spanned Knockmaroon Hill, and connected both sides of Holy Angels Mental Handicap Centre. During the course of renovation work to this bridge it was found that the steelwork was beyond repair and the bridge was removed. In this new situation a traffic warden has been provided for the school and the children resident at Holy Angels are now accommodated at the same side of the road as the school.

I might add there is a question about the future of institutional care for persons who have a mild degree of mental handicap. This inevitably raises the question of the long-term use of Glenmaroon. While this is in doubt it would be unwise to embark on major capital expenditure there particularly in view of the competing priorities for the limited building funds available.

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