"It's in a state" -Calls for Irish Rail to work with Louth County Council on Hill Street Bridge

Calls have been made for Louth County Council to engage with Irish Rail on the proposed works to Hill Street Bridge in Dundalk. 

Independent councillor for Dundalk South Maeve Yore told the February meeting of Louth County Council that the planned works present "ample opportunity to engage with Irish Rail". 

The bridge, which is owned by Irish Rail is set for €450,000 resurfacing works under the local authority's 2026 roadworks programme. 

Cllr Yore had previously said the onus was on Irish Rail to provide some of the funding for any works done to the bridge. 

However, David Jones, Director of Services with Louth County Council said although the bridge itself is owned by Irish Rail, the road is owned and therefore has to be maintained by the local authority. 

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Cllr Yore questioned if there were plans to remove the bridge. 

"Can we as the local authority contact Irish Rail in relation to the upgrade or the removal of Hill St bridge, because it's in a state and we’re spending €450,000 to resurface the bridge," she said.

Mr Jones confirmed there are no "imminent plans" to remove the bridge. 

He acknowledged that in 2007, Dundalk Town Council voted to remove bridge, but said it hadn't happened likely due to funding constraints. 

He said although there are no active proposals to remove the bridge, it is included in the Dundalk Local Transport Plan.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.