Public urged not to use Carrick-on-Suir river footbridge closed due to safety concerns

A councillor has appealed to the public not to use a footbridge over the Lingaun River at Tinvane, Carrick-on-Suir that has been closed since before Christmas as it’s deemed unsafe to use.

Carrick Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr David Dunne issued the appeal at the district’s monthly meeting in relation to the Killonerry Bridge that closed in December following inspections of its structure.

The footbridge is in Kilkenny County Council’s area and Cllr Dunne said he will be lobbying that council to repair and reopen the bridge, which he estimated was nearly 100 years-old.

“I know people have been discommoded. It’s a link to the Leinster Way and it’s a lovely walk but it’s unsafe at the moment. Please don’t use the bridge,” he urged

District Engineer Michael Scully assured councillors that Tipperary County Council will be putting Kilkenny County Council under pressure to repair this bridge as quickly as possible.

He noted its closure affected Tipperary people more than people in Kilkenny’s Piltown Municipal District as it’s used by people walking in and out of Carrick.

Mr Scully said Tipperary County Council has done what it can on its side to highlight the bridge is a dangerous structure.

He stressed that repairing the bridge won't be easy or quick.

But he pledged: “Any collaboration or help we can give at our end, we will do it.”

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