Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy very much for raising this important issue. I recognise Senator Currie's work on it. The area straddles both our constituencies. On a number of occasions in the past, the Government has allocated funding to restore the Silver Bridge and for some reason or another, it was not drawn down, so I hope it actually happens this time. That in itself would be very significant progress. I would love to see the bridge reopened to pedestrians so they could cross the river and avail of the amenities on both sides of the river, including Waterstown Park in the Deputy's constituency.

I would have thought it is something that the local authority could have funded out of its own resources or perhaps jointly with South Dublin County Council but we are happy to examine any proposal for Government co-funding as well.

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