Warning that somebody could fall into river at famous Laois pub

The area around a famous Laois pub will flood while  people are also at risk of falling into a river if a bridge wall is not repaired, a public representative has warned.

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent, put the council on notice of the risk faced in Durrow at the River Erkina at a recent meeting with Laois County Council.

The councillor tabled a motion calling on the Council to repair the stone bridge at the famous Bob’s bar which is located beside the river and a famous old stone bridge.

“If the wall goes there will be flooding in winter,” he said.

He warned that there is also a safety issue with people at risk of falling into the river.

“You’d be in the river before you know it,” he said.

He said the issue is urgent is repairs must be completed during the summer as the river level drops.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, backed his colleague. He said the bridge no longer has to carry traffic and is now a great asset.

Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, replied in writing.

"A recent collapse of a wall at this bridge has been made safe. A detailed inspection of the collapse will be arranged to determine the rehabilitation needs," he said.

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