Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have already asked how much has been spent on consultants for this bridge. It would nearly be enough to build a new bridge. Active travel has done great things in many areas. I disagree with some of the things that have been done. There has been funding everywhere for all kinds of bridges through bogs and across rivers. We have seen that these bridges can be erected so I do not know what the big deal is and why the NTA took this out. Why do we have to go back into the process of design and submission to An Bord Pleanála again? People do not have the faith in An Bord Pleanála that they used to have, as we know, because of recent scandals. Deputy Martin Browne has also advocated strongly on this matter. I can say on behalf of the people that they will not give up. They are very angry and disappointed at the amount of money that has been spent on consultants. When we got an independent report from the consultants, the NTA, on someone’s instructions, decided to dump it out of the programme completely. That is blackguarding of the highest order. Stefan Grace, the wonderful composer, will probably put pen to paper again, and I wish him well on his recent illness. I describe this bridge as a troubled bridge over tranquil waters. That is what it is. It is just downright blackguarding to leave it for that length of time. Now we are looking at a further 15 or 18 months of delay. It is unsafe for children, especially going to school, and for Brett Brothers’ harvest intake as well. It must be done.

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