University College Cork yesterday unveiled its new bridge, which offers pedestrian access over the south channel of the River Lee and a new entrance to the campus off the Western Road.

Cork’s newest bridge has been named after well-known philanthropist, Dr Tom Cavanagh, whose name is also on the UCC Pharmacy building.

Dr Cavanagh had a successful career in the motor industry and went on to have involvement in financial services, hospitality and other sectors.

He founded his first philanthropic trust in 1987 and has supported many community, sporting and other initiatives in the 30 years since, including developments at UCC.

The new bridge crosses the river from the rear of the Aula Maxima to a green space at Perrotts Inch, approximately halfway between Gaol Cross and the main entrance to UCC.

Along with the bridge, new pathways, trees and landscaping have been included in the project along with a new gated entrance on the Western Road.

The new bridge is positioned to connect the confluence of four pathways in the lower grounds on the South Bank in UCC with two new pathways in Perrotts Inch on the North Bank.

It crosses the river at an angle to provide an easy continuity of east-west pedestrian flow which will cross the river at this point.

The bridge has also been designed and located in such a manner as to minimise its impact on neighbouring properties, with new bicycle parking nearby.

The riverside walk along UCC’s lower grounds has been extended across the bridge along Perrotts Inch to the existing car park close to Gaol Cross.