We got funding 14 years ago. So when will work on bridge start?
IT IS HOPED that a timescale for the development of a footbridge at Markievicz Bridge will become clearer this year.
Funding of €100,000 has been provided to advance the project in the context of the business case.
Cllr Declan Bree, pictured below, put a motion forward asking if there were a timescale available yet – and if clarification could be provided on what a “business case” is in the context of this project. He said: “I welcome the fact that €100,000 has been provided for this project. However, I am concerned and confused to note that the funding is to be used to advance the business case for the project. What in the name of goodness is ‘the business case’ for the project?
“With all the announcements, pronouncements, and statements issued in recent months by Ministers, Ministers of State, and TDs, people in this community were of the view that we would at least be provided with an indication as to when construction work would commence on this long-awaited footbridge.”
“The necessity for the provision of this pedestrian footbridge adjacent to the Markievicz Bridge, linking Bridge Street and Thomas Street, has been and discussed and considered at meetings year after year. Residents of the east side of the town particularly lobbied for the provision of the bridge.” Cllr Bree went on to say that the initial grant to begin this particular project was provided in 2007 and that consultants were appointed to prepare plans and documentation. “Here we are today, 14 years later, and the latest report we have received refers to funding to advance the business case for the project, and we are told that the proposal shall be developed in light of the overall proposed Local Transport Plan for Sligo and in the context of the Public Realm Strategy for Sligo City.”
“Cathaoirleach, for how much longer must we wait to see this project proceed? Is it any wonder that some people become cynical when they continue to hear announcements but see little progress?”
The motion was supported by Cllr Tom Fox, who said he works in near the bridge and said it is “an accident waiting to happen” and that it is “in the interest of the public” that the project is brought forward.
Cllr Arthur Gibbons said “lots of promises” were made during the Sligo Borough Council days, but have always been followed up with “excuse after excuse”.
Cllr Gibbons asked why there was less difficulty in a similar project being completed in Carrick-on-Shannon. Acting chief executive Thomas Kilfeather clarified that the bridge in Carrick-on-Shannon is not a protected structure, while Markievicz Bridge is.
He also clarified that the business case is primarily about ensuring public safety and is a necessary step to gain scheme approval for a protected structure.