The issue of more safety measures on the Castletown bridge was raised at the latest Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick municipal district meeting.
Cllr James Kelly said that a ‘serious incident’ is waiting to happen as people jump into the ’25 foot drop’ over the river Nore on the R445 road.
“An awful lot of parents are worried. An incident where someone gets a serious injury is waiting to happen,” said cllr Kelly.
Deterrents
Cllr Kelly suggested some type of flexible ballards to be put in place so that cars can’t park on the bridge.
Indepedent cllr Brendan Phelan supported cllr Kelly’s motion and suggested a structure like netting or a cage beneath the bridge to deter people from jumping.
Senior engineer at Laois County Council Paul McLoughlin said that it is not a structural issue, but rather a safety issue.
In a written response, senior engineer Farhan Nasiem said that the works relates to the Bridge repair works programme. “This will be included in bridge repair works in 2019 schemes if recommended by the Area office,” the response concluded.
SEE ALSO – Busy N80 junction needs further works carried out
