Timeline for reopening of landmark city bridge revealed

CORK’S iconic Shakey Bridge is not expected to reopen to the public until December due to remaining works that need to be completed.

Restoration works on the landmark bridge, which is officially named Daly's Bridge, commenced in August last year following an award of a contract to Keating Construction.

The bridge was dismantled in four sections and taken to a factory to be refurbished.

Extensive corrosion and damage to the 93-year-old structure were addressed by these restoration works at an estimated cost of €1.7 million.

The final section of the bridge was reinstalled in March and the bridge was expected to reopen to the public shortly after.

However, some “critical elements” of the planned works have yet to be completed which has delayed the reopening of the bridge which joins Sunday's Well on the northside to Fitzgerald's Park in the Mardyke area on the south.

In response to queries raised by Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy and Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent, Cork City Council’s Director of Infrastructure Development, Gerry O’Beirne moved to reassure the councillors that the outstanding works and reopening of the Shakey Bridge is “a priority for the City Council”.

“Significant works have been satisfactorily progressed under the contract including the phased dismantling, restoration and re-erection of the of bridge deck and towers.

“There are however some critical elements of the planned works yet to be completed.

“These include electrical/lighting works, completion of access ramps and hand/parapet railings, painting, landscaping etc.

“Most of these works items are essential to the safe reopening of the bridge to public use,” he said.

Mr O’Beirne said Cork City Council is currently liaising with the scheme contractor and sub-scontractors regarding the outstanding work.

“The Council is at an advanced stage in its engagements with the scheme contractor and sub-contractors regarding the necessary arrangements for completion of the outstanding items. 

“Completion of the remaining items will take place over two months and it is anticipated that the bridge will be reopened for public use in December,” he said.

The bridge is unique in Ireland as the only surviving pedestrian suspension bridge of its type.