Work to replace a West Clare bridge destroyed during flooding late last year has been completed.
Located close to Doolough Water Treatment Plant at Cloonlaheen, Creevagh Bridge is located along the L62642-01 over the Annageeragh River. The original structure was demolished by floodwaters in December 2015. Five households were affected by the subsequent road closure.
Before construction work commenced in early summer 2016, the Road Design Office of Clare County Council carried out a topographical survey and site investigation.
An Appropriate Assessment screening was also undertaken to determine the potential for significant impacts of the work on the natural environment, while the Road Design Office obtained the necessary licences from Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Office of Public Works (OPW).
In recent months, new culverts and wingwalls were installed and new blockwork and dry stone boundary walls were reconstructed to match the destroyed bridge. The existing local road has been realigned and reconstructed over a length of 40 metres.
The Road Design Office engaged Atkins Ireland Consulting to provide the design of the replacement structure Paul Mulcair Ltd, Ballyengland, Askeaton, Co. Limerick was awarded the construction contract.
Clare County Council has acknowledged the assistance provide by local landowners during the course of the reconstruction project.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.