Proposed €450,000 works to Hill Street Bridge in Dundalk could cause "absolute chaos" if not done right

Cathoairleach of Louth County Council Cllr Seán Kelly has warned that proposed works to upgrade Hill Street Bridge in Dundalk would cause "absolute chaos" if the timing is wrong.

It comes after Louth County Council €450,000 plans to upgrade the bridge, despite a two-decade long wait for it to be removed. 

Cllr Kelly stressed the importance of doing the works during school holidays. 

"We cannot be in a situation where we're doing it in September and cause absolute chaos in the town area." 

He also called for any works to be done before 9am to avoid causing further "traffic chaos". 

However, Mark Johnston, Senior Engineer with Louth County Council described Hill Street Bridge as "critical" and "heavily used" but warned that conducting the works at night could add 25% to the cost. 

Mr Johnston described the work as a "massive job" and said the bridge is "all rotted". 

Green Party councillor Marianne Butler welcomed the €450,000 funding and agreed that the work needed to be done, but said in the long-term plan "the bridge has to go". 

Cllr Butler questioned if Louth County Council had given up on the removal of the bridge, and cited original plans to do it in 2006 which has stalled since. 

Read Next: First Phase of St Nicholas Quarter Rejuvenation completed

Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Meenan, who was on the council in 2006, attributed the Celtic Tiger and subsequent financial crash of 2008 as the likely reason for its shelving, and added he might not see the bridge removed in his lifetime. 

He compared the bridge to a "thrill ride" and said "your car is shaking - you're doing well to keep it between the white lines" when going over it. 

Elsewhere, Independent councillor Maeve Yore said the onus is on Irish Rail to contribute towards the cost of the repairs.

However, while Mr Johnston confirmed there are no immediate plans to remove the bridge, Louth County Council would give notice before any works are carried out. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.