‘No significant movement’ at Laune Bridge

TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) is satisfied that there is no significant movement occurring at Killorglin’s Laune Bridge, after Councillor Michael Cahill raised concerns at Friday’s South and West Kerry Municipal District in Kenmare.

The Councillor called on the TII to deliver a detailed report on the bridge’s condition and described the bridge as the major access point to Iveragh and South Kerry.

Cllr Cahill explained that lorry and bus drivers had come to him with concerns, and he asked if alternative plans were in place in case something happened to the bridge.

“In view of the ever-increasing traffic delays in Killorglin and the increasing number of complaints being received, a new bridge over the River Laune should be prioritised,” Cllr Cahill said.

In response, Senior Roads Engineer Padraic Teahan explained that the Bridge had been checked twice through level surveys in 2018, and these indicated there is no active settlement occurring at the bridge. The bridge has an overall condition rating of ‘ two’ from a principal inspection last October, where a ‘zero’ means ‘new’, and a five means ‘dangerous or failed’.

“Should the current bridge show significant signs of deterioration, then steps will be taken in consultation with the TII to expedite the planning, design and construction of the new structure,” he said.

The Council’s response outlined that maintenance works are scheduled for the last quarter of 2018 under a TII Routine Maintenance Contract and that a new bridge will likely be constructed over the Laune at a location that suits the Killorglin Bypass project.