Another step forward for Dunancory Bridge

Thomas Lyons

Progress on Dunancory Bridge in Virginia took another step forward as members of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District heard that a shortlist of contractors has been compiled.

At the meeting Cllr TP O'Reilly had sought an update on the status of the project. The response from the Road Design department of the local authority stated that the closing date for submissions and observations on the Part VIII Planning is June 24. Six specialist contractors have been shortlisted and they will be invited to submit tender prices in the coming weeks.

Engineer with Cavan County Council, John McGahern, who gave the statement to the meeting on behalf of the Road Design department said: “The tender documents are being finalised at the moment. The tender documents are currently with DTTAS regional inspector for approval. He has raised some queries which are being addressed by the engaged consultants. Cavan Co Co are actively focusing on this scheme and are working with the consultants to ensure the scheme is being progressed with urgency.”

Mr McGahern continued: “It has to be acknowledged that some time has been lost owing to Covid 19 but Cavan Co Co are doing everything in their capacity to finalise the tender documents and move to the next stage of tender publication.

“It is expected that part VIII planning report can be presented to the elected members for their approval on or after 29th June 2020.”

The bridge, located on the R194 Ballyjamesduff road out of Virginia, is not wide enough carry conventional two way traffic. At previous meetings of the local authority councillors had called for its upgrade or replacement.

Cavan County Council applied to the Department of Transport for a funding allocation for Dunancory Bridge Scheme back in 2019.

Councillors were unanimous in acknowledging that it was important that the project continues to move forward.