Pearse McGeough Welcomes Works at Drumcar Bridge

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Fiona Johnston

Pearse at Drumcar bridge Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough has welcomed funding from the Council to improve safety at Drumcar Bridge.

Cllr McGeough said “I have been highlighting the safety concerns around this bridge for quite some time now and am relieved and pleased that the matter is going to be addressed.”

” As well as the bridge needing improvement safety, with massive HGV’s crossing it I was equally concerned about the surrounds which have a protected structure close by. Hopefully the planned works will resolve the issue. I am waiting for clarification from the Council as to the details of the works planned but am pleased that my persistence on this matter is finally paying dividends.”

Pictured: Pearse McGeough at Drumcar Bridge

Adams Writes to Ministers on Narrow Water Bridge

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Fiona Johnston

DSC_3254_6510 Louth TD Gerry Adams has sent a letter to the Southern Transport Minister, Shane Ross TD, and the Executive Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazzard MLA, ahead of the next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council which is due to discuss the Narrow Water Bridge Project.

The letter, which was co-signed by TDs Imelda Munster and Declan Breathnach; Senator Ged Nash and MLAs Caitriona Ruane, Conor Murphy, Cathal Boylan and Megan Fearon, called for both Ministers to do everything in their power to deliver the Bridge project.

Teachta Adams said,

“In May I hosted the Narrow Water Bridge Community Network in the Dáil. The group gave a compelling presentation on the necessity of the Bridge to the assembled, cross party group of TDs, Senators and Oireachtas staff.

“One outcome of the meeting was an agreement that a collective letter calling for progression of the project would be sent to the Transport Minister Shane Ross and the Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazzard.

“I invited all Teachtaí Dala from Louth and all Assembly Members from South Down and Newry & Armagh to co-sign this letter, and I am appreciative to those who agreed to work collectively on this project and put their names to this letter.

“The need for the bridge is well recognised.

“It is included in the Irish Government’s 2016-2021 Capital Investment Plan.

“An Oireachtas Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation committee recently reported that it is essential to the economic development of the region and the Fresh Start Agreement in the North mandated the Northern Executive and Southern Government to review and develop the project.

“I welcome the public support for Narrow Water Bridge from Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard; but he cannot deliver the project alone and a renewed commitment from the Cabinet and particularly the Transport Minister is now required.”

Some of the Narrow Water Group (Cross Community)

Cllr Cassidy Expresses Concerns Over Landmark Bridge

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Fiona Johnston

Sinn Féin Councillor Alan Cassidy is reminding people that the landmark Obelisk Bridge will close on the 23rd and 24th of this month. The bridge is being surveyed to assess its structural integrity following an enquiry from Cllr Cassidy.

Speaking today Cllr Cassidy said “I was aware that the bridge wasn’t in a great state. I contacted Louth County Council regarding this last month. The bridge itself hasn’t been painted in over 20 years and at road level it appears to be missing pieces of iron, also the rivets show signs of erosion. On closer inspection, at low tide, I was shocked at the level of corrosion below the bridge”.

Councillor Cassidy was concerned that “the iron plates which support the road surface are corroded on three of the four sides in many instances. I don’t want to prejudge the outcome of the inspection but it is my belief that the bridge will need major works to prevent it from literally falling apart.”

Obelisk Bridge is a protected structure built in the 1860’s and crosses the River Boyne. Alan Cassidy concluded “the Obelisk Bridge is used by thousands of people daily not to mention tourists visiting the Boyne Battlefield and Oldbridge House. Cosmetically the bridge has been allowed to deteriorate through rust and pieces’ missing but it is alarming to think it may have become dangerous through structural deterioration.”

The Obelisk Bridge will be closed on 23^rd and 24^th November to allow for the bridge to be surveyed.

View at low tide below the bridge

Alan Cassidy Obelisk Bridge 1