'They’ll fall down if we don’t act' - Pleas for urgent repair works at Limerick bridges

URGENT funding is being sought to repair three aging bridges in West Limerick amid growing fears they could collapse without immediate intervention.

Cllr Francis Foley has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of Feales Bridge in Abbeyfeale, another bridge just outside the town at Meenkilly, and a third in Mountcollins known locally as the Secondglass Bridge.

Speaking at the November meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, Cllr Foley called for urgent funding to address the damage, which includes collapsed walls and structural decay.

Engineering inspections have already confirmed that major rehabilitation works will be required, prompting calls for swift action from Limerick City and County Council and the Department of Transport.

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Engineering inspections have confirmed that the bridge at Secondglass requires extensive rehabilitation, including replacing the damaged wall and its composite steel and concrete deck with precast concrete slabs. Works are expected to begin in January 2026, lasting 8 to 12 weeks, with a full road closure needed during construction.

Meanwhile, the bridge at Meenkilly will undergo inspection to determine its condition, after which it may be added to the council’s bridge rehabilitation programme based on priority.

The stone walls at Feales Bridge, while outside the main bridge structure, will not qualify for that programme but may receive attention through alternative funding streams in 2026.

“These bridges will fall down if we don’t get to them soon,” Cllr Foley warned. “We’re not just talking about maintenance anymore, it’s about road safety. People travel these routes every day, and we can’t wait for something serious to happen before fixing them.”

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