A Clare resident has lambasted the “inadequate” removal of a fallen tree and the subsequent nine-month delay – and counting – in repairing the structure.
Brian Greer says that since the tree toppled in January, damaging the “historically significant” Clare Bridge on the Cloghoge Road – of which there are only a small number on the island of Ireland – contractors have stalled, prompting safety fears and the risk of further decay.
Speaking to Armagh I, Brian said: “Numerous men have been out at it: surveys, photographs, measuring tapes, walking about, clipboards and things, but nothing of any significance.
“The last thing I was told was, about June time, there was a road closure order granted from July 1 and that work would be starting.
“But nothing has happened, and they said it would be dependent on favourable weather – sure you wouldn’t have got any better weather than what we’ve had.”
Brian said the fallen tree caused minimal damage to the structure, and it was only after contractors were sent out to clear the road and remove the tree that “90% of the damage was done”.
“Nobody’s going to take responsibility for that,” said Brian.
However, he stressed the importance of restoring the bridge to how it was.
“It’s a structure that you’d want repaired to its original glory. There are only a few of these bridges of that design in Ireland – that’s the whole of Ireland. It’s quite a landmark.”
Safety was also at the forefront of his mind, given the amount of wall missing and the subsequent drop on the other side.
“With darker months approaching this will once again prove a significant problem for motorists, especially those perhaps unfamiliar with the road.
“And the longer it sits, the worse the condition will become. Something needs to be done, and it needs to be done now!”
TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe joined Brian at the bridge this week, telling him that he will continue to lobby the Department for Infrastructure to commit to repairing the bridge to its original state.
“Having engaged with a number of local constituents, I share their frustration that we seem to be no further on in repairing Clare Bridge,” said councillor Ratcliffe.
“This historic bridge was damaged during Storm Eowyn at the end of January this year. When contractors removed the felled tree from the bridge they appeared to cause further damage.
“Not only is this an important part of the local infrastructure but it is part of the built heritage of the area.
“Due to the lack of action, I’ve written to the Minister for Infrastructure requesting action, and I’ve also engaged extensively with local DfI staff in recent times to ensure we can restore this bridge to its former self.
“I will continue to lobby on this important local issue.”
