Leitrim community rallies against trial footbridge

Over 100 people attended a meeting organised by the Roosky Residents Association on Monday night to oppose the trial footbridge in the village.

Carrick-on-Shannon councillors and Roscommon councillors were in attendance, along with TD’s Martin Kenny and Michael Fitzmaurice and Senator Eugene Murphy.

The trial, funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), is due to end this Sunday, October 6.

The meeting made it clear that no one supported the continuation of the footbridge and one-way traffic system in Roosky, with a general consensus that a cantilever bridge would be a more suitable option.

“All the members of the Carrick-on-Shannon district in the previous Council were completely opposed to it,” explained Cllr Sean McGowan.

“Their favoured option was a cantilever bridge, similar to the one in Carrick-on-Shannon. The bridge is too narrow to accommodate a footpath.”

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Almost all Roscommon councillors are also in favour of a cantilever bridge.

It was also noted at the meeting that Centra and McGuire's filling station have seen a decline in turnover since the trial began, with delivery trucks facing challenges in making their deliveries.

Questionnaires have been handed out to businesses for feedback, and submission forms were also available at the meeting on Monday night. 

The debate over the bridge in Roosky has persisted for decades. Prior to the post-2008 financial crisis, Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils were each awarded €350,000 to begin the bridge design process. However, the funding was withdrawn when the financial crash occurred.

Martin Kenny TD stated that he will bring the concerns of Roosky residents to Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the NTA.

As the trial period for the footbridge nears its end, the overwhelming sentiment from both local representatives and residents is that a cantilever bridge is the preferred solution for Roosky.

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