Senator Fiona O’Loughlin called reiterated her call in the Seanad for a full survey of the bridge infrastructure in South Kildare to be completed in light of the issues at Caragh Bridge.
Senator O’Loughlin said ” I was informed by Kildare County Council that works were going to start, but unfortunately, they’re not because of another piece of work that needs to be done. Its disappointing to see that works have not yet started on Caragh Bridge despite the efforts of so many to expedite the approval.”
“Unfortunately, there are number of technicalities that are holding up the process. The conservation architect to oversee very exacting standards and extended the scope of works. The extent of the works has been increased to include repair of an 8.5m section and not just the damaged section of 4.5m (approx). This means removal of concrete and bricks – each of which is numbered and replaced where possible as it’s part of a national monument.”
“In addition, the conservation architect has made exacting recommendations on the type of stone to be used, the type of mortar and will oversee that the standard of work is in keeping with whats expected on a national monument.”
Fiona concluded by saying “We need to see the issue of the crossing at Caragh rectified once and for all, and I believe a second crossing is necessary to support local traffic and business. I am again renewing my call for a full audit of the bridge infrastructure in South Kildare to be carried out to ensure that we do not see repeated incidences such as the one in Caragh.”
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