Action group hand over bridge report
22 DEATHS HIGHLIGHTED TO TAOISEACH
Credit: Shane Cowley
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CIARAN Baxter and Nora Kealy of the Slane Bridge Action Group gave the Taoiseach and Transport Minister the presentation on Slane bridge and its 22 associated deaths, which they had earlier delivered to an Oireachtas committee.
The Taoiseach told the campaigners he 'recognised the need for a bypass'.
'He said the NRA is completing a study, due in six to 12 months, which will go to Minister Dempsey who promised to 'prioritise it',' said Mr Baxter.
Nora Kealy asked Minister Dempsey about reducing HGV toll charges on the M1.
'The minister said the simpler solution is banning HGVs from travelling through Slane,' said Ms Kealy.
They both vowed to continue the campaign until a bypass is built for Slane.
'We are going to make it our business to be heard. We won't stop until we get a bypass,' a determined Mr Baxter stressed.
Among the protesters was Councillor Ann Dillon Gallagher. She pointed out that the Taoiseach had recently opened 'a € 20 million bridge to nowhere' in Fanad, County Donegal.
' Twenty two people have lost their lives because of Slane bridge. Yet they can spend € 20 million based on a Neil Blaney election promise – on a bridge for four or five sheep,' said an irate Cllr Dillon Gallagher.
- Angela MCCORMICK
