Kennedy name for new bridge

THE name for Ireland’s longest bridge over the river Barrow just outside New Ross was officially confirmed as Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, despite protestations from Cllr Michael Sheehan.

Director of Services for Roads Eamonn Hore said in line with an agreed process, which saw the Kennedy name approved by both New Ross and Piltown municipal district bodies, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy name was chosen to go forward to the county council for ratification.

Cllr John Fleming proposed the name, which was seconded by Cllr Larry O’Brien.

Cllr Sheehan said he was opposing the name confirmation on the grounds that the public submissions process was not adequate.

‘It’s my intention to write to the Minister for Local Government to review the process to find out if it’s in breach of local government and SIPO.’

Cllr Fleming said: ‘Either you’re voting for your town or county, or you’re not,’ referring to his fellow Fianna Fáil councillor’s decision to side with south Kilkenny councillors by choosing to support the Pink Rock name at a joint meeting of New Ross and Piltown municipal councils in October.

‘Call it the Brendan Howlin bridge and be done with it,’ Cllr Robbie Ireton opined.

Mr Hore said there was nothing wrong with the process, which was unanimously approved by both councils.

‘It follows the process of other infrastructural naming processes,’ Mr Hore said, with Cllr Willie Fitzharris adding that Cllr Sheehan previously voted in favour of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy name.