New bridge linking Leitrim and Roscommon to go to tender early this year

A new bridge linking Carrick-on-Shannon and Cootehall, which will replace Hartley Bridge, is expected to go to tender early this year.

Hartley Bridge, which is more than 100 years old, currently has a three-tonne weight restriction in place due to its deteriorating condition. 

The cost of constructing the new bridge is estimated at up to €5 million.

By comparison, the cost of retaining Hartley Bridge was estimated at €500,000, with ongoing maintenance works required every 10 to 15 years at costs ranging from €50,000 to €100,000. 

As a result, planning permission was granted in December 2024 to demolish Hartley Bridge and construct a new bridge approximately 25 metres away.

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The project has been in development for several years, with a consultant appointed in 2018 to prepare the design and associated documentation.

The decision attracted some criticism, particularly from those who wanted the bridge retained for pedestrian use. 

In February of last year, Cllr Maeve Reynolds called for Hartley Bridge to be preserved due to its historical significance, highlighting its potential use as a pedestrian walkway.

Hartley Bridge was one of the first bridges of its kind to be constructed using reinforced concrete. 

However, the Department of Transport committed to replacing the old bridge with a new structure and to funding the demolition of the existing bridge.

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Speaking to Shannonside, CEO Joseph Gilhooly said, “It will be replaced with a whole new bridge, which will really be of great benefit to the users, particularly those who are limited to that road at the moment because of the weight restriction.”