Vol. 421 No. 8
78 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the proposed removal by the Office of Public Works of a pedestrian footbridge over the Grand Canal at Rahan, Tullamore, County Offaly, and the fact that this bridge has been used for many years by local residents and farmers in the area; and if, in view of the great hardship and inconvenience that will result, he will outline the steps he proposes to take to have the bridge replaced.
The footbridge over the Grand Canal at Rahan, Tullamore, was erected circa 1914 by the then Parish Priest to facilitate access to the local primary school. It was never required for canal purposes. It would appear that little, if any, maintenance was carried out to the bridge since its construction, with the result that the fabric deteriorated over the years. In view of the fact that the structure had become dangerous it was necessary in 1990 to block access to the bridge. A number of complaints were received earlier this year from local people who feared that there would be an accident or injury. In the circumstances it was decided to dismantle and remove the structure. This was done within the past week. There are no proposals to replace this privately erected bridge.
