Council hopeful Assan bridge works can begin

It is hoped that construction works can start on a new bridge at Assan in the Lavey area this Summer, following the completion of a tender assessment report by Cavan County Council.

The proposed development, for which planning is in place, includes the provision of a new bridge structure (7.5m Clear Span and 8.5m overall width); the realignment of the L3545 (north of the existing bridge) to connect directly to the L3005; and the realignment of the river for 30 metres upstream of the bridge and installation of rock armour to protect the banks.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report and an Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report of the proposed development were provided as part of the overall planning process.

Concerns over the bridge, approximately 200 year old, were first raised back in 2021. Back then the much-needed renovation was delayed, in part, due to Inland Fisheries Ireland’s (IFI) concerns for the river’s wildlife. The quality of the river and surrounding vegetation’s suitability as a habitat for Atlantic salmon and brown trout were among the reasons given.

IFI highlighted the good ecological status (confirmed by the EPA in 2020) of the stream at this location and the fact that it forms part of the sensitive River Kells Blackwater catchment. The River Boyne and River Blackwater downstream is a Special Area of Conservation designated for Atlantic salmon and Lamprey among other species and habitats.

Tenders were invited under the Public Works Contract for minor building or civil engineering works for the construction of a new bridge at Assan, together with repairs to the existing Assan Bridge, back in November last year with a closing date for receipt of tenders pre Christmas.

A spokesperson for Cavan County Council confirmed to the Celt that five tenders in total were received.

“A Tender Assessment Report has now been completed and Cavan County Council is currently in the Contractor appointment phase.”

The spokesperson added that it is planned to “commence construction works” in May this year.

“In the interim, there will be enabling works required to divert existing overhead poles and lines that currently traverse the works area.”

Local area councillor Val Smith welcomed the progress being made.

The Fine Gael representative explained how locals were having to travel several miles out of their way to get around the bridge.

"€500,000 allocated this week, its good news, and we hope to see work commenced in May or June, after discussions take place with Inland Fisheries. This has been going on the best part of three years now, and people in the area have been patient, but it couldn't go on much longer. You've the main distributor of tractors, Gerard Clarke, one of the biggest machinery men in Ireland, and he lives only a few hundred metres from that bridge. Then you have the traffic coming from Dundalk, Bailieborough, Kingscourt, all going through that bridge, but it was being made impossible."