*A rusting bridge in Ennistymon. Photograph: Patrick Comerford
CRITICISM OF Iarnród Éireann has been aired by North Clare councillors over the lack of repair works completed on the remaining bridges of the West Clare Railway route.
Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) called on Clare County Council to press Iarnród Eireann to carry out an assessment of the remaining bridges on the West Clare Railway route “which traverse public roadways, with a view to carrying out necessary repairs”. He also wanted the transport body to repair the buttresses at Clouna Bridge and restore the landmark.
Officials in the West Clare Municipal District are engaged with Iarnród Eireann “to identify the remaining bridges on the West Clare Railway route to determine what works are required,” senior executive engineer, Enda MacNamara outlined.
Recalling the history of the route, Cllr Killeen stated, “It was founded and opened in 1867, a time when money was scarce and money seen as necessary to support West Clare”. He noted how it brought people from Ennis to Kilkee and linked with areas such as Lifford, Ruan, Ennistymon, Lahinch, Annagh, Quilty and Doonbeg. “If it was there now it could bring tourists from Ennis to the Cliffs of Moher and help all that area”.
Upgrades have not occurred since its closure 61 years ago, the Corofin representative stated. Alterations to Clouna Bridge were labelled “a shame”. He asked for a separate fund to be found if negotiations with Iarnród Eireann turned out to be unsuccessful.
Protected structures will touch on the subject in the County Development Plan, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) believed. “I can’t get my head around how we determine how work can be done to certain protected structures and not for others,” he admitted.
“Irish Rail have undertook no reports or works to these bridges despite being the responsible owner, their attitude seems to be let them fall to state of disrepair until they become a safety issue and then they destroy then. There was an appalling state of butchery taking down structure that was there,” the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD added.
