Dangerous BJD bridge to be widened

Plans have been published for works to improve safety at a bridge outside Ballyjamesduff.

Cavan County Council hopes to widen the Derrylea Bridge over the Claddagh River, around 2km from Ballyjamesduff town on the main Granard road. The local authority has published a Part 8 planning notice for the project, which includes the realignment of the road, the widening of the bridge and repairs to it.

The bridge is sited on a dangerous bend on the R194 road and close to junctions with three minor roads, with concerns over the safety of traffic and of pedestrians. The carriageway of the realigned section of the regional road will be 6.5m wide and a 2.5m wide footpath will also be provided on the north side of the road.

The works planned would take place over a 237m section of road. €50,000 was announced for planning works at the bridge in February.

A screening assessment was carried out on the bridge by consultants Malachy Walsh and Partners, on behalf of Cavan County Council.

It found that, while the Claddagh River flows into Lough Sheelin, it is outside of the lake’s special area of conservation (SAC). The lake is sited 7.5km downstream from the bridge. No evidence of otters or bats were found in the area around the bridge, however, crevices which could potentially house bats were found in the bridge. These will be protected, despite refurbishment works being planned for the existing bridge structure.

A number of recommendations to protect wildlife and fish were made, as well as measures to prevent the introduction of invasive species.

An old stone shed located nearby will be demolished as part of the realignment scheme, with a number of trees along the road to be cut down.

Submissions by the public can be made until December 23, at which point the plans will come before councillors for their approval. No dates for when works would be carried out, if approved, have been published.