Safety fears at Meenaroy bridge

There are grave concerns over the ongoing safety of Meenaroy bridge, which is being ‘held together’ by timber.

Questions have been raised about an application for funding after only €25,000 was allocated for remedial works.

Councillor Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly, the Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District, has raised issues with the process and says he has ‘been kept in the dark’.

The Glenswilly-based representative called for a safety audit to be carried out on the bridge. Thousands of commuters travel every day on the Meenaroy road, a main rout to Letterkenny.

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Councillor Kelly told the latest meeting of the Municipal District that the cracks on the bridge are so vast you can put your hand inside. Parts of the bridge are being ‘held together by ply and lengths of timber’, he said.

Councillor Kelly said: “Exposed steel, which carries the main slabs on the structure, is rusted and the parapets are only just sitting there.

“It is in an absolutely shocking state. I find it hard to believe that any inspector would visit this bridge and state that it is ok.”

Councillor Kelly asked that an inspector’s report be made available to members after stating that he was given a ‘commitment’ that funding of €400,000 was applied for and the project would be ‘prioritised’ this year.

However, when regional and local roads funding was announced on Wednesday, just €25,000 was allocated to the bridge. Councillor Kelly has since learned that only €75,000 was sought.

Councillor Kelly said: “This is absolutely shocking. I will get to the bottom of this. I want answers on paper as to the reasons why.

“This is a main artery into Letterkenny from many areas like Glenties, Ardara and Dungloe. If this bridge were to collapse, it would cause absolute mayhem if you think about the diversions and detours that would have to be put in place.

“It will be too late when the bridge collapses.”

Councillor Donal 'Mandy' Kelly

Councillor Kelly has been campaigning for works for almost two years now and was previously informed that a design was prepared.

“When I dug deeper, I was told that there was no design in place after 20 months,” he told this week’s meeting.

“I have been told that a design that was prepared has been ruled as not suitable by an inspector.

“This doesn’t sit right with me. It is undermining the people who carried out the design.

“Every time I brought motions or questions about this, I was led to believe that all the ducks were in a row. I am sitting here asking myself what is the point of these meetings if these concerns aren’t being taken seriously.

“I won’t sit back and let people continue to travel over this structurally unsafe bridge for the next three of four years until a design is made and a consultant appointed. We have perfectly fit people on the ground more than capable off carrying out the works.”

Referencing the recent allocations of €415,000 under Active Travel investment for Fintown and €115,000 for the Fintown Pedestrian Linkage and associated minor works contract, Councillor Kelly said: “There is not much points in spending all that money and having no road into it.”

Councillors Ciaran Brogan added to the calls for clarification on the matter.

“We need to ask roads central where things changed from the application that was prepared,” Councillor Brogan said. “If there was changes made to that application then we, the elected members, should get a full copy. If the ball was dropped, we need to ask who dropped it.

“There is no doubt that an application should have been granted.”

Councillor Gerry McMonagle said the Council has to seek clarity on the safety of the structure as a matter of urgency.

“Is the bridge safe or is it not?” he asked. “We need to see proof of that. This needs to be cleared up and we need to know whether or not the bridge is fit for purpose.

“We have to make sure that the bridge is kosher and that it will do what it is supposed to do - carry traffic that is going over it and that no member of the public is in danger.”

David McIlwaine, a senior executive engineer for Donegal County Council said there were concerns over the cracks and parapets.

Mr McIlwaine said the bridge was considered safe to travel on.

“We will work with the bridge team and roads design to see how much remedial measures are required,” Mr McIlwaine said.