Revamped unique Laois wooden bridge a 'tourist attraction'

The community of Woodenbridge is preparing to revamp what locals now believe could be the latest tourist attraction.

The iconic Woodenbridge over the River Erkina in south Laois will reopen to the public on Sunday, April 14 with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 2pm

Laois County Council commenced work to upgraded the Woodenbridge to meet the standard required by Transport Infrastructure Ireland in October 2023. Enhancement work was also carried out on its sister bridge over the canal section.

An original Council plan envisaged replacing it with a concrete structure but the community resisted due to what they see as the historic importance of the structure to the locality.

This bridge which was originally a Woodenbridge but was replaced in the 1960s by a partially concrete structure but with some wood still part of the structure.  More below picture.

Jake and Reece Mahon with Gizmo at the Save the Woodenbridge Public Rally on Sunday 6 March 2022. Picture: Alf Harvey.

A public meeting in late 2021 was followed by a protest in 2022 to retain the wooden identity in the overhaul which was  required for safety reasons. This resulted in a review of the plans an decision to maintain the wooden integrity.

Michael G Phelan was among those to campaign for the wooden identity of the bridge to be preserved in the overhaul. He now believes that the campaign mounted was well worth given what emerged during the overhaul.

"Bridge experts say the Woodenbridge is possible the only bridge made from timber currently carrying public traffic in Ireland.
This uniqueness sets this bridge apart as a real tourism attraction," he said.

Mr Phelan said locals and visitors are invited to the revamp this weekend to see the work done for themselves after which light refreshments will be served.