'Troubled Waters' Over Meath Bridge Removal

Local representatives in Slane, County Meath, have voted not to pursue a campaign against the developer who demolished an historic local bridge.

The wooden Laytown's structure, used by pedestrians, was flattened by Irish Rail, an act described by one Green Party councillor as "disgraceful".

Tom Kelly, discussing the removal of the bridge by the state run services, advised that a protest letter be sent to Irish Rail by the county council.


His request was shot down by fellow members.

"They seem to have the power to demolish at will," he said.

According to Bill Sweeney, the Senior Executive Officer, there was "no legal impediment" to Irish Rail removing the old bridge.

The transport provider has since stumped up funds for a replacement bridge, Area Administrator Paul Monaghan told councillors.

Mr Monaghan said part of this agreement was that the old bridge would be demolished, adding the wooden structure had become unsafe.

Mr Kelly argued that Irish Rail has been slow to provide a mooted park and ride scheme in the Laytown area.

Councillors were told that the former Laytown dump was cleared by the Environmental Protection Agency to make way for the facility.

According to Mr Monaghan, the "onus is on" Irish Rail to apply for planning permission to install the park and ride scheme.

(PR/JM)