Conservation works on a historic Dublin bridge that has fallen into disrepair are set to begin soon.
A "serious overhaul" is needed for the Guinness Bridge which spans the River Liffey at Strawberry Beds. The essential works will start next month and are expected to take five months to complete, Fingal County Council has confirmed.
The single-span cast-iron girder bridge, approximately 54m long and 4.5 m wide, was commissioned by the Guinness family in the 1870s to provide a pedestrian crossing and connection between Farmleigh Estate and Palmerstown to the south of the Liffey. The project will cost almost €1.5 million and will be undertaken by Jons Civil Engineering Co Ltd.
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A statement from the county council states: "A serious overhaul of the structure is required to preserve the bridge and abutments as they currently stand.
"The repairs identified include the replacement of damaged bearings, repair of masonry abutments, new gates to limit access on both sides and full cleaning and protective coating of the steel structure. Scaffolding and wrapping of the bridge are required for protection during repair works and temporary traffic restrictions will be necessary on Lower Road."
Fingal Mayor, Cllr Howard Mahony said: "The Guinness Bridge is one of the 29 stops on the Liffey Valley Trail and I am delighted that the conservation works, which are badly needed, will be commencing in January. The bridge has been in existence for over 140 years and these works will ensure its preservation for many more years.”
The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Annmarie Farrelly added: “Fingal is a heritage county and one of the Council’s most important roles is to protect that heritage for future generations. The Guinness Bridge is another example of our continued commitment to conservation across Fingal.”
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