Green Party TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Mary White, TD, has restated her support for the community work which is ongoing in Thomastown to restore the breached weir.
The Green Party Deputy Leader said: “I want to congratulate the Thomastown Community River Trust on their recent archaeological report [launched in Thomastown last Friday, December 4] and their drive to restore the weir to its former glory. The weir is a stunning example of 18th century Irish industrial heritage and I support the local community in its aim of remediating the weir, that the head of water be returned to allow swimming, that water safety and the canoeing amenity are fully restored, as well as the unique character of the weir.” Deputy White added: “I spoke with the Southern Regional Fisheries Board last year and with the CEO, Brian Sheerin, about the feasibility of repairing the weir.
“The board responded with a specially commissioned report which I asked for and which I gave to the Thomastown Community River Trust last Friday evening at the launch of their report. I believe that Thomastown is a unique aquatic environment in which all recreational and archaeological aspects must be respected and supported. I look forward to working closely with the Trust to help it achieve its aims,” she said.
