Claims have been made that Clarecastle will be “destroyed” by the closure of a local bridge on the main artery into the village.
Latoon Creek Bridge is due to close in just under a fortnight and will remain closed to traffic until May to facilitate repair works.
Following a programme of routine examination of the county’s bridges, it’s been discovered that Latoon Creek Bridge, just outside the village of Clarecastle, is structurally compromised and in urgent need of repair.
A weight restriction, prohibiting heavy vehicles from crossing the bridge has been in place for a number of months after temporary repairs were carried out.
But from November 20th, extensive remedial works will be carried out requiring the full closure of the bridge and it’s expected that work will be ongoing until May.
Local Businessman Emlyn Heaps, of the Castle Antiques Arts and Crafts Centre says the closure will devastate businesses in the village.
Clare County Council insists that due to the nature of the works that have to be carried out, the full closure of the bridge is necessary.
Senior Engineer Tom Tiernan insists that adequate signage will be put in place and is reassuring that issues raised during the public consultation process will be examined to reduce the impact on the local community.
He’s acknowledged the difficulties that the closure may pose for local businesses but says there’s no way around it.