Trim pedestrian bridge arrives on site

The new steel pedestrian bridge linking Trim Castle with the Porchfields was delivered early this morning with installation works continuing throughout the day.

The bridge was commissioned to replace the previous Millennium Bridge, a wooden structure that failed after just over 20 years in place and had to be demolished.

A temporary bailey bridge was installed but was removed some months ago to allow for enabling works for the new bridge structure.

The new bridge is made of steel and one of the first questions asked by councillors at their Trim Municipal District meeting today was how long its life span was. They were informed that the bridge has a lifetime of 100 years and would require painting/maintenance every ten to twenty years.

In an update Executive Engineer Fergal McCabe said the bridge was fabricated in Dungarvan, Co Waterford and completed in August before being transported to Kilmallock in Limerick where it was primed and painted, and the waterproofing and resin surface was applied to the deck.

The bridge arrived on site in the early hours of Friday morning and was lowered into position by crane onto the existing concrete abutments. Once the bridge is in place, the next stage involves anciallary works such as landscaping and works to improve pedestrian access to the bridge from both the Porchfield and Trim Castle side.

New 3m wide exposed concrete footpaths in a grey colour will be constructed to blend in and Limestone brick paving is also planned for the approaches to the bridge. New seating in limestone to replace the previous timber benches, will also be installed.

Footpath works were due to commence this week with approximately 500sqm of footpath to be construction along with 125sqm of paving brick to be installed. The anticipated completion date is 23rd October in time for the Púca festival which bring thousands of people to the town.

Councillors welcomed the new bridge and were very happy with its appearance but were were quick to ask what its lifespan would be.

Cllr Ronan Moore said a number of options were presented to the previous council some years ago and they were very clear that they wanted something in keeping with the surroundings that would not take away from Trim Castle and they had got that.

"It looks ornate in an understated way and will hopefully stand the test of time," he said.

Cllr Dave Boyne asked about the lifespan and was told it was 100 years with maintenance every 10-20 years, recoating it and painting it.

Cllr Paul O'Rourke complimented the colour and welcomed that his suggestion for limestone benches was being incorporated.

Cllr Noel French again asked about the life time and said they had been told with the last bridge it would be 100 years also and it had fallen about 80 years short.

Cllr Joe Fox remarked that the design was "perfect and blended in well with the ambience of the area" and welcomed the fact it would be up and running for the Púca festival.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme