Funding sought for work on dangerous Laois bridge

Funding is being sought to replace a seriously dangerous bridge in Timahoe. 

Fianna Fail Cllr, Paschal McEvoy, requested works at the location and expressed concern about flooding at the location. 

He tabled a motion asking “that this Council carry out works at the bridge Fossey, Timahoe. There is considerable flooding at this area.”

In reply, Senior Executive Engineer, Philip McVeigh said “Laois County Council has inspected this location and has applied to the Department for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Works funding to install a new bridge structure at this location.”

“If the funding doesn’t come then does that mean it won’t happen?”  asked Cllr McEvoy.

“It is very, very serious there. It is actually dangerous,” he said. 

“If some young land falls into that or an animal, they have no chance. It is ten feet deep,” he remarked.  

“It is frightening to see the flow of water that is coming off the hill,” said Cllr McEvoy. 

Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins asked how much a new bridge would cost at the location. 

Mr McVeigh said the work would cost around €25,000. 

“If we don’t get funding through that we might consider using other resources,” he remarked. 

The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.