Hopes to name Enniskerry bridge after Henry Grattan
CALLS are being made to name a currently unnamed bridge over the River Dargle after 18th century politician Henry Grattan. Located near Enniskerry, the bridge is beside the historic local politician’s former home.
Leading the charge on the issue is Independent councillor Rory O’Connor who, despite being Wicklow’s youngest councillor at 21, has a firm appreciation of the history of the area.
Grattan was the leader of the Irish Patriot movement that won legislative independence for Ireland in 1782. From 1782 to 1797 Grattan fought to reform the composition of the Irish Parliament and to win voting rights for Catholics in this country.
This period came to be known as ‘Grattan’s Parliament’ and is seen as one of the early steps towards self-determination.
Grattan also led the unsuccessful campaign against Prime Minister William Pitt’s Act of Union, which merged the Irish and British parliaments following the 1798 rebellion and led to political, economic and social decline until Ireland achieved independence.
‘It’s relatively unknown that Henry Grattan lived in Enniskerry, yet alone the impact he had on Ireland’s path to independence,’ Cllr O’Connor said.
‘ The bridge currently doesn’t have a name and it’s a no-brainer to build some awareness of this brilliant politician. I’d like to erect a small sign on the bridge, that would show its name, but also a bit of the history associated with Grattan. I’ve moved this motion and I hope my colleagues on the council support it.’