A long running row over a bridge linking Kilkenny to Waterford has finally been settled.
The bridge which spans the river Suir links Fiddown in County Kilkenny and Portlaw in County Waterford. There has been a bridge on this site since 1852. The current structure is in such a poor state of repair that traffic is restricted, and
Even pedestrians don't march with over-confidence.
Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) is responsible for the bridge maintenance but said that it would not pay for repairs. The situation was not helped by lengthy and complex negotiations between Kilkenny and Waterford.
Tom Kyne who is Chairman of Waterford County Council believes the issues between the two sides go back decades,
Since the GAA days, when Kilkenny and Waterford were rivals in hurling.
Communities on both sides of the river became so frustrated with the situation that they took matters into their own hands. Councillor Eamonn Meade explains, one protest took the form of
Preventing some trains passing through the station.
Thankfully an agreement has been arrived at. The government and CIÉ will provide most of the funding, with the remainder coming from Waterford and Kilkenny local authority budgets. The latter will carry out the work, which will take two years to complete.
Kilkenny County Council is happy with this arrangement, says Councillor Tom Hogan, as they agreed that that,
A bridge is needed.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 5 December 1979. The reporter is Michael Ryan.
