Clare County Council has said that Government funding required to carry out safety works at a historic bridge in Ennis is currently unavailable.
Drehidnagowar Bridge has been the subject of numerous safety concerns from elected representatives and members of the public in recent years and the matter has been raised at the Ennis Municipal District Meeting Today.
A protest has also taken place at Council offices in relation to the matter as Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry reports:
While Ennis Councillors discussed Drehidnagower Bridge at their monthly meeting today, a protest was taking place outside of Council HQ, where improvement works were demanded.
The Sinn Féin-organised demonstration comes on foot of long-running concerns, and these people say the time has come for action.
Drehidnagowar Bridge is a narrow protected structure on the road linking the Gort and Lees roads in Ennis.
Works have been carried out there in recent years, following adverse weather conditions, but passing remains difficult at peak times for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The matter has once again been raised at today’s meeting by Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard.
Clare County Council says the detailed design process for this section of footpath-cycleway is already underway but that there are a number of items that need to be clarified before the detailed design process will be completed.
Specific Improvement Scheme funding is needed for the work, and would come from the Department of Transport, but that’s currently unavailable.
Cathaoirleach of Ennis Sinn Fein, Peter Flannagan says they won’t give up their fight until progress is made.
