£1.5 million plan for Ferry car rig unveiled

March 1978

Wexford County Council has unveiled details of a new £1.5 million development plan for Ferrycarrig, which will include the erection of a new bridge there. It is hoped to begin the work either later this year or early next year.

A scale model of the development is now on show at County Hall. As well as the new bridge, it will include new approach roads, and one eight-mile stretch is of particular significance to the residents of Wexford who fear an increase in juggernaut traffic when the new development at Rosslare Harbour is complete.

When the new Ferrycarrig plan is complete, the huge lorries will by-pass the town altogether, taking a new route from Ballygillane Cross on the Rosslare Road through Piercestown, Bachelors Hall, Clonard Cross, linking up with Ferrycarrig Bridge via Newtown Road.

The road will also cut out many dangerous bends and on in particular, on the Enniscorthy side of the present Ferrycarrig Bridge, where rock falls have caused hazard on some occasions, will be completely removed.

The usual public enquiry into the development is scheduled for April, and the Council hopes to have the scheme up for tender later in the year.

The scale model was drawn up by Council draughtsmen Jack Doyle and Martin Ryan, under the supervision of Chief Assistant Co. Engineer, Mr. Noel Casey.