Busy Laois bridge to stop 'waving in the wind'

A busy pedestrian bridge in Camross is set to be replaced with construction work on a new structure getting underway this month.

The news was confirmed to Cllr James Kelly, Independent, when he raised problems with the wooden bridge with Laois County Council officials at a recent meeting.

He tabled a motion calling on the Council to, “as a matter of urgency”, replace the pedestrian bridge over the river adjacent to Ard Erin View housing estate in Camross.

Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, updated Cllr Kelly and other public representatives In a written reply.

“Fabrication works are scheduled to commence in November on the pedestrian bridge and it’s expected that all work will be complete before the end of the year,” he said.

Cllr Kelly welcomed the reply as good news. He said many people living in the estate use the bridge to access the village the national school, creche, community field and hall, church, Sean Bergin's public house and other facilities.

Cllr Kelly told the Leinster Express Laois Live that is also frequently used by walkers exploring the Sliabh Bloom mountains.

He said he met residents at the bridge where dangers caused by decay were highligted.

“Both sides of it are waving in the wind. It is a nice lovely bridge but children would try to swing out of the sides,” he said.

Cllr Kelly said the new bridge would be a big benefit. Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, also welcomed the news. He said it was a lovely feature. Cllr Seamus McDonald, Fianna Fáil, was also happy.

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The issues was raised at the October meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.