Claragh Bridge works halted

An emergency road closure order was issued earlier this month, with the bridge to be closed from Monday, August 24 to facilitate the rehabilitation works.

Rehabilitation works on the Claragh Bridge near Tullyvin have been halted to allow for the Council to complete a full survey of the historic structure.

The landmark bridge with its wrought metal sides was built 1858.

An emergency road closure order was issued earlier this month, with the bridge to be closed from Monday, August 24 to facilitate the rehabilitation works.

However a last minute decision taken to halt action has been welcomed locally by many who believe the bridge should be preserved as it still stands.

Fine Gael County Councillor Carmel Brady, who contacted the Council's Heritage Officer who express concern at the work prior to it being halted, said: “Several people in the community contacted me about this and I contacted the Council to see what could be done. As it stands now, the work has been halted to allow time for the Council to go about surveying the bridge to see what can be done to restore as it is.”

See next week's Anglo-Celt newspaper for full report.