‘We don’t want to see it falling down’ - Laois council asked to fix stone bridge

A historic Laois bridge officially classed as ‘regionally important’ should not be allowed to collapse, a councillor has insisted.

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent, called for action at an old stone bridge in Durow at a meeting with Laois County Council officials.

He tabled a motion calling on the local authority to clean and repoint the stonework.

“It is an urgent job. We don’t want to see it falling down…It’s in a scenic place but it’s looking sad,” he said.

He was backed by Cllr John King, Fine Gael, who was worried about the vegetation growth. He said this could cause stones to fall out in winter.

Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, replied in writing.

“A thorough inspection of the bridge will be undertaken in the coming weeks. This structure is regionally important in terms of its heritage value, so a carefully detailed repair strategy is called for,” he said.

The appeal was also supported by  Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, who praised the stone work skills of council staff.

This was also endorsed by Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fianna Fail, Cllr James Kelly Indpendent.

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The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting in County Hall, Portlaoise.