Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 7

Written Answers. - Medieval Bridge on Shannon.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

158 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the progress, if any, made on the uncovering and possible raising of the medieval bridge across the Shannon which was discovered in 1995; what consideration, if any, he has given to the possibility of replicating the construction of the bridge at a suitable location for tourism-heritage purposes if raising the bridge is not feasible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3564/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

A comprehensive survey of the site has been carried out recently under the auspices of the National Monuments and Historic Properties Service and a report is currently being prepared. The formulation of proposals in respect of the bridge will have to await a detailed examination of that report.

It must be emphasised, however, that the main concern is the preservation and conservation of the bridge.