Fears of historical bridge in Laois in danger of collapsing

A bridge with deep historical connections in Laois is feared to be near collapse, according to a local councillor. 

Laois County Council has been urged by Councillor James Kelly to carry out repair works on the Tarbert Bridge in Trumera before it collapses.

Senior Executive Engineer with Laois County Council, Rory O'Callaghan, told Cllr Kelly that bridge maintenance and engineering inspections will be carried out on the bridge to determine what repair works are needed.

However, he explained that if structural repair works are identified then the bridge will only be submitted to the Department for funding in 2027 as this year's works have already been submitted.

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O'Callaghan added: "Roadside vegetation clearance on this bridge will be considered for inclusion in this year's work programme subject to available budgets and resources."

He then noted that this vegetation clearance will in fact be carried out at Tarbert Bridge next week. 

In response to this, Cllr Kelly said: "I'm not happy about the reply for funding for 2027. I know you would have applied last year for 2026 but it's in danger of collapsing completely."

He warned: "If that collapses there could be issues with the road."

Cllr Kelly emphasised the historical significance of the bridge in Laois which dates back to the 17th century. 

The bridge was included in a book written by Dr Michael Christopher Keane in 2017, From Laois to Kerry. Dr Keane is a retired lecturer from University College Cork and a native of Tarbert, County Kerry.

The book explores the transplantation of the seven septs of Laois to north Kerry in the 1600s, hence the name Tarbert in Kerry. 

As well as repair works, Cllr Kelly that said a plaque should be erected at the bridge to mark its historical significance.

O'Callaghan agreed that he would inspect the bridge once water levels underneath it would allow for it.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme