Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the Swiss Cottage, Cahir, County Tipperary opens as scheduled on 8 March 2007 and continues to remain open as usual for the remainder of the season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8627/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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Public access to the Swiss cottage is by way of a bridge across the River Suir. In recent times the condition of this bridge has, on visual inspection, given cause for concern. In late 2006 a consultant engineer was appointed by the Office of Public Works to carry out an assessment of the bridge and to make recommendations as to its structural condition and the level of work required. Early in this assessment process the engineer reported that the bridge was in dangerous condition and recommended that access to it be limited pending his full inspection and report.

When received at the beginning of 2007 the engineer's full report underlined the dangerous condition of the bridge, highlighted the ongoing erosion of its structural members, and recommended repair as a matter of urgency. Based on these recommendations the Office of Public Works acted swiftly to request the preparation of the necessary tender documents for the repair of the bridge. These documents are scheduled to be complete by the week commencing 12 March, 2007. At that point tenders will be invited immediately with a view to the necessary repair work being commenced at the earliest possible date.

The first step in the works programme will involve the removal of the deck of the bridge which is in an unstable condition. With the necessity to remove the deck the closure of the bridge is absolutely essential. For both practical operational reasons and for health and safety, the removal of the deck must take place when the river is at its lowest. Unfortunately this period happens to coincide with when the site is normally open to the public as part of the Heritage Sites of Ireland programme operated by the Office of Public Works.

In this context an alternative access to allow the Cottage to remain open was examined. The only alternative access on the cottage side of the river is a private road which is in poor condition. While the Office of Public Works have a right of way over this road for works purposes this does not extend to public access.

This roadway is not suitable for cars and there are no parking facilities in the area close to the Cottage. In addition this roadway would also provide the only access to the site for emergency services should they be required. The advice available suggests this roadway would not be suitable for an ambulance. The question of providing an alternative temporary bridge was also considered but given the extent of the work required on either side of the river bank in repairing the existing bridge, it is felt that this option is not feasible from a health and safety perspective.

I am very hopeful that all of the necessary work to repair the bridge at the Swiss Cottage can be completed during the course of 2007. It is unfortunate that such a magnificent site will not be available to the public this year but the dangerous condition of the only public access to the site means that there is no other choice but to close it to the public. I should say that the period of its closure will be used by the Office of Public Works to bring forward its plans to re-thatch the building, work originally pencilled in for 2008, thereby minimising further possible disruption in the future.