Laurences Gate permanently marked after 4 HGV strikes
THE recent spate of HGVs stuck under St Laurences Gate left ‘ large, noticeable marks’ on the ancient monument and action needs to be taken without delay to address the situation, it has been claimed. SPEAKING at the December meeting of Drogheda Municipal District, Councillor Kevin Callan, who is also involved in the Close The Gate Campaign, said four separate vehicles had struck the gate or become stuck under it over the course of just one weekend.
He raised concerns about the height restriction signage on the approach to the gate and said he had been contacted by a number of hauliers who said the height quoted is incorrect.
‘I went up to see the damage done for myself and the marks on the gate are incredible, they are at least a foot long where the trucks were stuck. Something needs to be done, this situation cannot continue.’ He asked if the OPW had been informed of these incidents and if they had investigated it.
Senior Executive Officer Paddy Donnelly said the council had received reports and photographic evidence about the damage done to the gate.
He said technical staff did inspect it and confirmed it had received a number of substantial marks as a result of the incidents.
However, he added: ‘We’re satisfied that the gate is structurally safe.’ He said the council have reported the matter to the OPW and went on to say there is an onus on drivers of HGVs to be cognisant of the height restrictions in place and their own vehicles. ‘We will keep the signage under review and if there are improvements we can make to that then we’ll do it,’ he said.