Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are various reports that the local government fund had been cut by €30 million this year. In that context, I raise an issue close to my own area in Ardfinnan, where there are problems with a damaged bridge. The bridge has now been repaired, but an application for a footbridge has been made in the interest of health and safety. Many other projects have been proposed as well, but the national children's hospital is draining money from every other project. I ask the Minister to ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether funding can be provided for this project under some other programme, for health and safety reasons. This bridge is used by many people from Ardfinnan and its huge hinterland. Traffic lights and a one-way system have been in place there for the last three years, causing congestion for schools and businesses. Above all, it is more dangerous now than it ever was before.

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