Leenane bridge officially opened

Leenane bridge officially opened


Anton McNulty

THE village of Leenane is ‘back in action’ after the new structure which replaced the 185-year-old bridge that was swept away after torrential rain was officially opened yesterday (Monday).
A large number of local people were in attendance to see the Mayor of Galway, Cllr Peter Feeney, do the honours of opening the new €2 million bridge. The old one was swept away in July 2007, when a deluge of rain fell in a few short hours. The original bridge was designed by Scottish engineer, Alexander Nimmo, and the new bridge incorporates the old-style architecture of the original bridge and features three arches with stone facing.
For a period the collapse of the bridge left the tourist village divided and caused traffic mayhem for motorists travelling along the N59, leaving many to face 80km detours between Connemara and Westport. A temporary bridge was erected by Galway County Council and a consultation process between the National Roads Authority, the Council and residents studied the best way forward for the village.
Work on the new bridge began last October and came as a relief to the local residents who feared that the downturn in the economy would result in the new bridge being put down on the list of priorities.
“We were very concerned that with the downturn in the economy we would be down the list of priorities,” said Anne Donald-Joyce of the Leenane Development Association. “I am glad to say with the help of the National Roads Authority we are here today on this happy occasion. Our main artery was cut off and people had to take long routes for a week or so but the local County Council and the NRA were very swift in putting something temporary in place. It felt like it was permanent for a period of time but it is wonderful to be at this stage opening the new bridge. Leenane is back in action and ready for business.”
The opening of the new bridge was attended by the NRA CEO, Fred Barry, who said they were delighted that the new bridge is in character with the other bridges in the area.
“It was very important to build a new bridge in the style that was sympathetic to the area. Just around us we have the fjord and wonderful countryside. All the bridges around here are all old-style stone bridges, but most were built in the time of the horse and cart. We wanted a modern bridge that would take a modern load but looked like it was there forever,” he said.
The bridge, which is expected to be used by 4,000 vehicles per day, was blessed by local Parish Priest, Fr Kevin Burke, and the Very Reverend Alistair Grimison.