Dáil Éireann - Volume 587 - 15 June, 2004

Written Answers. - Inland Waterways.

Mr. Penrose Mr. Penrose

635

  576. Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Com[635] munity, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will take steps to have the bridge over the Royal Canal at Baltrasna, Mullingar, widened in order to enable farm machinery to gain access to farms along the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17903/04]

Éamon Ó Cuív Éamon Ó Cuív

  Éamon Ó Cuív: The issue raised by the Deputy, concerning the bridge over the Royal Canal at Baltrasna, Mullingar, County Westmeath, is the day-to-day responsibility of Waterways Ireland, a North/South implementation body for inland waterways, set up under the British-Irish Agreement 1999.

Waterways Ireland informs me that it is not common practice for them to widen such bridges. However, should Westmeath County Council, who currently maintain the approach roads and the surface over the bridge, deem it necessary to upgrade the bridge structure, Waterways Ireland would facilitate them, subject to the necessary finance being in place and the design option being approved by it.

Dáil Éireann 587 Written Answers. Inland Waterways.

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