asked the Minister for Local Government if there is any proposal in his Department for a third bridge over the river Garavogue in Sligo to ease the traffic congestion in the town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Sligo Bridge.
16.
No proposal has been submitted to my Department for the construction of a third bridge to relieve traffic in Sligo.
I have given an approval to the corporation to seek revised proposals from their consultants for a review of certain aspects of the Sligo traffic study in the light of changes that have occurred in recent years and from this review to make recommendations as to the measure required to provide the borough with an adequate roads system, including, if necessary a new bridge.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that because there is only one bridge with twoway and the other with one-way traffic, there is an urgent necessity for a third crossing of this river because at the moment all north-bound traffic must use the one route?
As the Deputy knows, a study was carried out in 1968. Because of the development of the new industrial estate in the south western section of the borough, approval was given to the corporation to update certain aspects of that study in a letter dated 9th April 1974. The reference to the consultants included that the consultants were to report on the atmosphere of the eastern by-pass and river crossing, combined with the additional traffic management measures in providing relief from congestion in this area and adequate circulation of traffic over a 25-year period. In the event of two bridges not being adequate, the consultants are to investigate and report on an alternative traffic system with particular regard to the western relief road via Main Street, Adelaide Street and Union Street, a new river crossing near the Custom House. It is expected that the conclusions will include a recommendation for the provision of a new river crossing in Sligo.
It will be recommended but will it be approved?
We think the consultants will come back on that. We have asked them to update their report.
If they approve, will money be made available for such a bridge?
I am quite sure it will.