Calls to retain ‘part of history’ as Leitrim bridge faces demolition

The cost of retaining the existing Hartley Bridge located between Carrick-on-Shannon and Cootehall is estimated to be around €500,000, Carrick-on-Shannon municipal district has heard.

Ongoing maintenance interventions would be required every 10 to 15 years, with costs ranging between €50,000 to €100,000.

In December 2024, the Council was granted planning permission to demolish Hartley Bridge and build a new bridge approximately 25 metres away.

Cllr Maeve Reynolds proposed a motion seeking to retain the existing bridge due to its historical significance.

“The existing bridge is a one hundred year old bridge and is one of the first of its kind built with reinforced concrete,” Cllr Reynolds said.

She argued that if it costs €500,000 to retain it, the cost to remove it would likely be similar. She questioned why it could not be preserved as a pedestrian walkway or attraction instead of demolishing a “perfectly good bridge.”

“It’s obviously not able to withstand heavy good vehicles but we’d be demolishing a part of history,” she added.

Storm Éowyn may cost Leitrim ‘millions’: Councillor seeks Government aid

Cllr Maeve Reynolds proposed a motion seeking an emergency financial package from the Government to aid the Council’s recovery efforts following Storm Éowyn.

Cllr Farrell, Cllr McGowan and Cllr Flynn supported the motion.

Cllr Guckian opposed it, arguing that the repair costs would be unnecessary. He described the bridge as an “eyesore” and “ugly,” stating that it is not an important part of history.

“I agree that it’s ugly,” commented Cllr Flynn. “But it’s the first concrete structure ever built in Ireland, it does have historical significance.”

Cllr Reynolds was informed that securing funding to retain the existing bridge would be a challenge.

Mary Quinn, Director of Services for Housing, Corporate Services, Community and Cultural Services, stated that even if the bridge were demolished, efforts would likely be made to preserve its historical significance, whether through documentation or maintaining a record of it.

A reply from Economic Development stated, “The Department have committed to replace the old bridge with a new structure and fund the costs of the demolition of the existing Bridge but would not be prepared to allocate ongoing funding for the repair and maintenance of the Exiting Hartley Bridge into the future.”

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