Reflectors to curb swan bridge collisions
LOUTH County Council has been called on to fit reflective game guards on all council controlled bridges in Drogheda following numerous swan collisions with the bridges over the Boyne in Drogheda.
The call was made in a Notice of Motion from Councillor Kenneth Flood who also asked the council to liaise with management of Scotch Hall who control de Lacey Bridge to ensure game guards are fitted there. Responding to the motion, the council said the matter was previously raised and staff did engage with Bird Watch Ireland who commented that they had not had such an observation in the past. ‘Usually with swans the issues relate to power lines and on these occasions the deflectors are extremely effective,’ said a spokesperson. ‘ They noted that the issue probably relates to Mute Swans which are resident as the migratory swans. The issue might have come about in relation to dispersing juvenile swans.’
They said to fully understand the issue a study would be required to evaluate the impact. They said area staff will bring the matter to the attention of the management of Scotch Hall shopping centre. Supporting the motion, Councillor Paul Bell said there had been two swan strikes on St Dominic’s Bridge in 2016 alone. ‘ This proposal is the only way to stop it happening and it is very low cost,’ he said.