CASTLETOWNROCHE BRIDGE SAFETY FEARS

The residents of Castletownroche have expressed fears over the lack of safe pedestrian access over the historic village bridge. The bridge, which is located across from the Mill on the Fermoy side of the village, is barely wide enough for one lorry to cross, not to mind two as well as a pedestrian. However, there is no other means of access to the other side of the village.

Members of the Mallow/Fermoy Area Committee met with a deputation from the Castletownroche Community Council on Tuesday morning to discuss the need for a footbridge at the existing old stone bridge. Chairperson Bridie O’Connor along with Jim Hogan and Billy Sheehan represented the Community Council.

“There is a huge danger there, the bridge is too narrow and there are ninety degree bends on either side”, Bridie O’Connor told the members.

She also went on to explain that the risk was even greater for elderly people and those pushing buggies. Vehicles coming from the Mallow direction approach the bridge from a steep decline onto a wide bend, which stops short at the foot of the bridge. Coming from the other side, vehicles have to negotiate a sharp S bend before arriving at the bridge.

Visibility is very poor from both sides and it has often been the case that those unfamiliar with the bridge become jammed because they are unaware of how narrow the structure is.

“There is also the Mill”, added Bridie, “it is now full and there are a number of companies operating out of it. There are at least 30 people working in that building and they all have to cross over the bridge if they wish to get lunch in the village. The same goes for those living on that side”.

The Community Council has already taken it upon itself to research the matter and members were on hand to suggest a solution to the committee members. A proposal was made that a footbridge be installed on the northern side of the existing stone bridge.

Blackwater Resource has already given their commitment to providing finance towards some of the overall cost with the support of Cork County Council. Research carried out by the Community Council found that 4,134 vehicles passed over the bridge between the hours of 6am and 6pm on a specific day.

Jim Hogan assured the members that the footbridge would be below the level of the existing bridge so there would be virtually no visual impact on the surroundings.

“Surely between Cork County Council and Blackwater Resource, a fine job will be done. I see that there is one in Kildorrery that isn’t being really used, if they want they can give it to us”, Mr Hogan chuckled.

Cllr Noel O’Connor expressed his disbelief at the situation having walked the bridge himself recently, “I am astounded that traffic does not always give way to pedestrians. There is an issue there and we must look for a solution. I feel that the option suggested here is reasonable and the committee have done the right thing by seeking funding before coming to us. It would look very bad if we turned it down now”, he said.

Cllr Frank O’Flynn gained the backing of chairperson Cllr Aileen Pyne when he asked that the overall picture be looked at and suggested the replacement or upgrading of the existing bridge.

“I ask that we look at the viability of this, we have one of the most scenic areas here on the main road leading to Killarney. It is an area that is not properly exploited with regard to tourism. This plan is a small bit piecemeal to me, we must think of the future. Maybe a better, overall bridge should be considered?”

The community council thanked the members for their co-operation and support and left feeling very positive that a solution will be found in the near future.

 

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