Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Apr 1990

Vol. 397 No. 9

Written Answers. - Old Bridges.

John Bruton

Ceist:

111 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will prepare an inventory of the age, architecture and structural state of old bridges still in use for normal traffic with a view to (a) ensuring that they are preserved, (b) ensuring that they are designated as national monuments and (c) ensuring that their antiquity and architectural merit is brought to the attention of tourists.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

Bridges still in use for normal traffic are the responsibility of the local authorities.

A pre-1700 AD bridge which has ceased to be used to carry normal traffic could be taken into care as a national monument. Each such case would be considered on its merits and in the light of available resources.

Some details, but not the structural condition, of bridges constructed prior to 1700 AD are recorded in the Archaeological Survey of Ireland, which is being undertaken by the Commissioners of Public Works. The provision of tourist information on these structures is a matter for tourism bodies and the local authorities concerned.