'You can't get work done': 14 year delay to repair of collapsing bridge in Laois
Laois Councillors slam 'crazy compliances' surrounding repair of Rosenallis bridge
Laois County Councillors have slammed 'unnecessary compliances' contributing to a fourteen year delay to the repair of a Rosenallis bridge at risk of collapsing.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus McDonald tabled a motion that the Council give an update on progress at the bridge.
Pictured: The River Barrow runs beneath the Rosenallis bridge
"A Natura Impact Statement is being prepared by consultants. Fish pass designs have been issued to the inland Fisheries Ireland for comment. Flynn's Bridge has been accepted onto the IFI's Barriers funding program for 2026. An application to An Coimisiún Pleanála for the works is being prepared," the Council replied.
Cllr McDonald welcomed this response, yet was weary with the delays surrounding the project.
"This is going on 14 years, I have statements and motions going in every year. The bridge is becoming more dangerous on a daily basis. It's not fair on the families living across from the bridge, and the people who use the bridge on a daily basis. The sooner we can get this job bone the better," he said.
Independent Cllr James Kelly gave his support to Cllr McDonald's motion.
"How crazy is that reply?" he questioned.
"The things you have to do to get something done, and we're talking fourteen, sixteen years here. First it's the Natura Impact Statement, then it's a fish pass, then it's an IFI funding program and approval from An Bord Planeála. We'll be here in another year or two, it's crazy," he argued.
"It's crazy and I see it on the overgrown bridge in Mountrath. People see us put in the motions and think, ah, yeah, he's putting in the motions just because we asked, and nothing is being done. There's just too much compliance, we can't get work done," Cllr Kelly finished.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Paddy Bracken seconded Cllr McDonald's motion.
"If the bridge collapsed in the morning, then what would you do? And that's a reality. What would be done then?" he questioned.
This motion was tabled at the September sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.