Vol. 407 No. 1
339 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will ensure that a proper major investment is made to resolve the difficulties being experienced by port users out of New Ross Port, due to the lack of maintenance on the rail bridge over the River Barrow; if the necessary investment will be made by Iarnród Éireann in this rail bridge to give a permanent solution to the difficulty; if so, when; and the estimated cost of the works in question.
The restrictions which apply at present at the port of New Ross arise directly from damage caused to the bridge over the River Barrow when it was struck by a cargo vessel on the 7 March 1991. There is no question of these restrictions arising from any lack of maintenance on the part of Irish Rail.
I understand from the chairman of CIE that repair work on the bridge in question is expected to commence at the end of this month and that this work will be completed by the end of June. The company have no plans for any further works in connection with the bridge.
