Taoiseach says Government to support solution to Ardfinnan Bridge traffic problem
During a whistle stop visit to Ardfinnan this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government will “be responsive” to a funding application that would solve the saftey issues at Ardfinnan Bridge that has plagued residents for six years.
Above: Taoiseach Micheál Martin pictured with Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill and Cllr Michael Anglim
The Taoiseach said he was anxious to solve the village’s problem and indicated that the Rural Active Travel Investment Programme funded the type of infrastructure the community required.
The Taoiseach met with Deputy Cahill and local Cllr Micheál Anglim to discuss the funding options for the construction of a pedestrian bridge in order to safely allow a two flow traffic system across the bridge again.
Speaking, following a positive engagement with An Taoiseach in relation to this matter, Deputy Cahill said he was delighted that An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin accepted his invitation to visit Ardfinnan and meet with Cllr Micheál Anglim and the local community to discuss the funding options for a pedestrian bridge in the town.
“There are a number of funding options that appear to be available in order to make this happen and I will continue to work with Cllr Anglim, the County Council, An Taoiseach and relevant government ministers to ensure we deliver this much needed funding for Tipperary. “I would like to particularly acknowledge the extremely hard work of Cllr Micheál Anglim in relation to this issue over many years and his unwavering commitment to resolving this issue for Ardfinnan and surrounding areas”, Cahill said. Representatives from Ardfinnan Community Council, Ardfinnan National School and local businesses appealed for funding to be approved for the new pedestrian bridge over the River Suir to enable a two-way traffic system to resume at the village’s existing road bridge.
They outlined the dangers the current one- way system is causing residents, children and visitors to Ardfinnan.
Business owners also pointed out the negative impact the current situation is having on their businesses and warned of shop closures in the near future if something isn’t done soon.