MAYNOOTH, 25 June 2001: by Bill Trapman. At a recent meeting between Waterways Ireland and Kildare County Council, Cllr Senan Griffin availed of the opportunity to question them on their stance on Bond Bridge (above), and to the amazement of all present they adopted the same stance as Duchas. Cllr Griffin advised them that they should change their attitude and allow the new bridge to be constructed.
Legal opinion obtained by the Kildare County Council, states that the Council are within their rights to proceed with the construction of the bridge. Duchas, said Cllr Griffin should now avail of the agreement, allow the bridge to be taken down, stored, and in the event of a suitable location for a bridge along the Royal Canal, the stone from Bond Bridge can be utilised.
Waterways Ireland have been requested by Cllr Griffin to improve access along the tow path of the canal particularly from Jackson's Bridge to Kilcock.
Meanwhile, Kildare County Council has been requested by Cllr Griffin to apply to the Department of the Environment, for the 100% grant which is available, in order to provide for a fresh water upstand and sludge disposal unit at the Harbour, Maynooth. This facility will be of use to boat owners who use the Royal Canal.
Previous story on Bond Bridge.
©2001/knn