National Monuments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Ceisteanna (427)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

427. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to substantial bridge rehabilitation works which are to commence on Ardfinnan Bridge in County Tipperary, which is classified as a national monument by the National Monuments Service; if her attention has been further drawn to a request by Tipperary County Council on whether the National Monuments Service would be opposed to the erection of a stand-alone pedestrian bridge in the vicinity of the aforesaid bridge or whether the National Monuments Service would be opposed to the placement of a cantilever style pedestrian bridge onto the side of the bridge in the style of the one placed on Macroom Bridge in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16177/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Ardfinnan Bridge is included in the Record of Monuments and Places under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 which requires two months notice to be given to my Department of any proposed works affecting the monument. While Tipperary County Council has given the Department outline details of options being considered for a pedestrian bridge, it is not possible for the Department to provide a substantive response in the absence of full particulars of the proposals. The Department will, however, offer the Council such guidance as it can on the basis of the information currently available.