Tower bridge future hangs on Fáilte Ireland decision

Date Published: 27-Jun-2011

The future of the dilapidated footbridge leading to the Fishery Tower next to Wolfe Tone Bridge is hanging on a decision of the Board of Directors of Fáilte Ireland, who are meeting in Dublin this week.

They will decide whether or not to provide funding towards the repair of the bridge, which has visibly deteriorated and is in serious risk of collapsing, according to Councillor Catherine Connolly, Chairwoman of the Natural Environment and Waterways Committee and also a member of the Civic Trust.

Because of the state of the footbridge, the iconic building has remained closed for almost three years. Cllr Connolly said she has placed this item on the agenda of every meeting of the Natural Environment and Waterways Committee since her election as chair over three years ago.

“From the Committee’s point of view and from that of the Fisheries Board who own the building, progress has been made, in that plans for the new bridge are ready and substantial funding is available from the Fisheries Board. “However, the difficulty is that matching funding is still awaited from Fáilte Ireland,” she said.

But Cllr Connolly confirmed yesterday that she and the committee had been informed that the Board of Fáilte Ireland is to meet in Dublin this week and is expected to make a decision on the matter.

“Any further delay is not only unacceptable but a matter of health and safety and I am calling for Fáilte Ireland to make a positive decision and provide the matching funding.

“In the current climate it is of vital importance that a new bridge be erected to allow the Tower to open again as it is one of the main tourist attractions in the City," she added.

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