THE DECISION by New Ross Municipal District Council to name the state-of-the-art bridge in the New Ross by-pass after JFK’s mother has been met with strong criticism from members of the public.

With the town and surrounding areas already overloaded with references to the American political family dynasty it’s arguably not surprising that deciding to name the soon-to-be-built structure after another Kennedy is a bridge too far.

An online petition started by political activist, Seamus O’Brien, has attracted a lot of interest from people within the town and further afield in support of his call to have the matter put to public consultation.

The fact that Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, after whom the bridge is to be named, was born and bred in America and never set foot in New Ross has been used my many people as a reason why the proposed name is unsuitable.

The Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council agrees and has called for a public consultation process to begin to give local people the opportunity to have their say on the matter.

Commenting on the issue to the Echo, Cllr. Sheehan, said: “I want a process of formal public consultation to include stakeholders before a final decision is made regarding the name.”

However, Cllr. Sheehan said he would accept whatever name is ultimately selected as long as the public has its say.

“The process must be clear, fair and transparent,” he said.

Among the suggestions made online were the Three Sisters Bridge and the Pink Rock Bridge.