Feasibility study needed for Glanworth Bridge replacement
A feasibility study must be carried out to find a way to replace the ancient narrow bridge in Glanworth, a councillor has said.
Councillor Deirdre O’Brien made the call during this week’s Fermoy Municipal District meeting, stating that such is the issue with the bridge, that it was now time to consider a replacement.
“Glanworth Bridge is a mid-15 century structure and is said to be the oldest, longest, narrowest road bridge in Europe. Although it is passable today, care must be taken when driving this bridge as it only wide enough for one vehicle at a time.
“I am requesting that a new bridge be built either up river or side by side as I am well aware this bridge is choking the economic viability of Glanworth, in its uniqueness in all sectors of agriculture i.e. equine, bovine and cereals, all carried out in Glanworth as illustrated on the plaque at the old graveyard.
“The bridge is starving the village of commercial life, as commuter traffic cannot access the village from the R639 at Molly Barry’s Cross. Farming activities are hindered and struggle by not being able to gain access, trucks with deliveries for the village have to make directional changes, sometimes after realising when it is too late.
“It is a danger for cyclists and pedestrians crossing. We are currently completing the next development plan and have made provision for extending the village development boundary in Glanworth, so we need to look to the future and a new bridge to be built, otherwise Glanworth will be starved of its potential to grow economically,” she said.
MILLIONS LIKELY NEEDED
Cllr Frank O’Flynn backed the proposal and said it was time for a new bridge. He said that it was previously discussed to replace the ancient 1440 built crossing.
He said it is Europe’s narrowest bridge still in daily use and noted that there was a feasibility study done previously, but that such is its historic place in antiquity, that it was deemed too expensive.
Cllr O’Flynn said the proposed solution was between five and six million euro at the time, but said that it was more likely to cost as much as €12M now.
Cllr Noel McCarthy supported the motion, as did Cllr Kay Dawson.
Brendan O’Gorman said he concurred with what Cllr O’Flynn said and added that any study would have to be couched in terms of the change in standards. He explained that such a project was ‘way down in terms of needs and it is basically about funding’.