Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 5

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

348 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands whether she will have discussions with the Department of the Environment and Local Government with a view to removing any obstacles to the realignment of Bond Bridge, Maynooth, County Kildare, having particular regard to the urgent need for necessary road improvements to accommodate increasing pedestrian and vehicular numbers and, in particular, to achieve a higher level of safety for all road users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25849/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

349 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands whether Dúchas or any body under the aegis of her Department has objected to the realignment of Bond Bridge, Maynooth, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25850/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 together.

In my reply of 3 October 2000 to Question No. 839, I outlined the steps my Department has taken to enable the county council to carry out the necessary road improvements while protecting the architecturally significant bridges. I am pleased to say that in response Kildare County Council has commissioned a report from a conservation architect which is being prepared at the moment. My Department will continue to be available to offer further advice on the modified scheme.