Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 542: To ask the Minister for Finance when work will be completed by the Office of Public Works on a bridge (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [1579/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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A structural engineers report on the condition of the bridge referred to by the Deputy was received by the Office of Public Works in late December, 2006. A follow up meeting to discuss the findings of this report was held with the engineers on 15 January, 2007. Following on from these discussions the position is that major structural repairs are required as a matter of urgency to ensure the safety of the bridge. The engineers have been requested to prepare a proposal for the necessary works and to provide a provisional timetable for the work and a preliminary estimate of cost. Once this information is to hand officials from OPW will enter into discussions with Coillte, who co-own the bridge, on the carrying out of the repair work. The extent of the work involved will necessitate the complete closure of the bridge to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. In such circumstances OPW will have to consider the closure of the heritage site at this location during the coming season.