Browne asks for clarity over Active Travel allocation for Ardfinnan Bridge

Teachta Browne said:
“On Monday, over €6,600,000 was announced for active travel programmes in Co Tipperary. Such
an allocation is to be welcomed for our county.
“When I saw an allocation for Ardfinnan Bridge of €220,000 I sought further details, given the cost
that would be involved in returning the two-way system on the bridge and construct the proposed
pedestrian bridge.
“After making enquiries to Tipperary County Council, I was told that €70,000 of this money ‘was
allocated to prepare an options assessment report for Ardfinnan bridge’, while ‘€150,000 was
allocated to provide permanent traffic lights instead of the temporary battery powered lines in situ at
present, this funding was to provide a safer pedestrian route on the bridge with the installation of
bollards, kerbing, lining, signage and crossings’.
“I welcome investment in Ardfinnan Bridge. But we need clarity about the allocation of the
significant sum of €150,000 to make key features of the current arrangement permanent.
“And we need certainty that the people’s option will be delivered, and that if works costing
€150,000 need to be reversed at some stage in the future in favour of the option that the public
have been calling for, that such action will be taken.
“Clarity is needed from our government representatives on this matter.”