Historic Laois bridges need repair council told

Bridges in Mountmellick and Ballyfin need work to prevent them the deteriorating into a state of bad disrepair.

That was the view expressed by Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fianna Fáil, when discussing two bridges in his area at a recent meeting with Laois County Council officials.

In a motion he called on the local authority to repair damaged stone pillars at the Iron bridge, Cloncannon, Mountmellick.

Cllr Bracken added that it was a historic bridge but the stones had loosened and he did not wish to see it falling into a further state of disrepair.   

In reply, Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, said a bridge inspection would be undertaken to confirm the condition of the structure. He said Cllr Bracken would be updated on the condition of the bridge following the inspection.

In a separate motion, Cllr Bracken asked for repairs to the parapet wall at the bridge at Esker, Ballyfin. 

In reply Mr Kenny said the direct provision crews have stripped this structure of vegetation. He added that a detailed inspection of the bridge will be undertaken and repairs will be scheduled.

Cllr Bracken welcomed this response to the commitment made to address what he said was also a historic Bridge.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, praised Cllr Bracken for calling for action at the bridges due to their importance.

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The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting in County Hall, Portlaoise.