Plans to replace a vital footbridge in Craigavon faces “a number of hurdles”, according to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
Mark McPeake, the Divisional Roads Manager for the Southern Area, told councillors that while it is the department’s intention to replace the Moylinn footbridge next year, there are financial considerations.
The original footbridge was removed in March 2023 following a structural assessment by DfI.
Mr McPeake said: “We have engaged with the officials in terms of planning; we’ve had a meeting with them and we’re planning to meet them pretty soon. We’re going to table an indicative shape of bridge and that will allow our planning application to go in for the bridge.
“I have a procurement slot, for next February / March to put a tender out, but that’s obviously subject to statutory processes – getting planning approval, land and importantly, funding.
“The important aspect of that, is that I would need to get funding clearance in advance of the following financial year, so there’s a number of hurdles to get over.
“But I think clearly the intention here is to go ahead with the scheme. I think I have sufficient information to put a business case together…I’m committed to get that bridge back up again.”
Alliance Party councillor for Craigavon, Robbie Alexander, welcomed the update.
“During the Council meeting I highlighted the importance of a replacement footbridge for Moylinn in order to reinstate this important community link,” he said.
“I was encouraged to hear senior DfI officials stating their plans to erect a replacement footbridge at the original site. DfI outlined that the next stage of the process will be the submission of a planning application to Council. A tender for the construction will then be issued in Spring of 2024 for the construction, subject to planning and budget approval.”
