Residents of Glanworth in north Cork will decide on the future of the village bridge.
One of the narrowest bridges in Ireland, the seventeenth century thirteen arch bridge in Glanworth measures three metres in width.
Originally constructed to allow horses, carts and carriages to cross the river Funcheon, it is unsuitable for modern traffic, and dangerous for pedestrians. Some heavy agricultural machinery cannot use the bridge, which necessitates a four mile detour to reach Glanworth.
A plebiscite is being conducted among the three hundred households in in the village to determine the most appropriate course of action.
A new bridge replacement has been ruled out on historical grounds.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 October 1975. The reporter is Dermot Mullane.
