Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
283. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the arrangements the Office of Public Works plans to make to alleviate the hardship faced by a community (details supplied) due to the closure of a road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1451/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe extended road closure is necessitated due to a partial collapse of the bridge at Dunkellin during the course of works on the Dunkellin River and Aggard Stream flood relief scheme. Galway County Council (GCC) is the Contracting Authority for this project with funding being provided by the Office of Public Works.
A road closure was in place for the duration of the proposed works to the bridge. Arising from the partial collapse of the arch bridge, this road closure had to be extended to allow time for a design to be agreed for a replacement structure that would include the additional flow capacity required for the scheme and take account of the historical importance of Dunkellin Bridge. GCC has sought additional funding for the scheme to upgrade the remaining part of the structure in order to secure the bridge into the future.
I am advised that GCC is proceeding expeditiously to have all the necessary agreements and permissions in place to allow the bridge replacement and refurbishment works to be undertaken thereby minimising the duration of the road closure. Liaison with the local community affected by the road closure is a matter for GCC.
