New study set to investigate condition of iconic Cork bridge

THE structural integrity of an iconic bridge which can be seen in the middle of Carrigadrohid reservoir by motorists travelling on the N22 is to be the subject of a study commissioned by the ESB.

Buingea Bridge in Dooniskey used to be on the road connecting the townland on the outskirts of Macroom with Carrigadrohid and underneath it ran the Cork-Macroom rail line which closed in the 1950s.

Cork North West Fine Gael TD Michael Creed described the bridge as a much loved local landmark and said he had been contacted by a number of local people who were concerned that the structure was ‘falling into serious disrepair’.

“It may collapse into the waters of the reservoir. I submitted a request to the ESB that this would be investigated,” said the Macroom based TD.

“This bridge is located in the section of the Lee Valley which was flooded in 1956 as part of the Lee Hydroelectric Scheme.

“The bridge itself was once part of the local road network, linking Dooniskey with Carrigadrohid.

“Buingea Bridge is only accessible at times when the water levels in the reservoir are low. What remains of this structure is a much-loved local landmark for people who live nearby, and for the many people who travel the Macroom to Cork road regularly,” Mr Creed said.

“I’m happy to confirm that the ESB has taken the concerns of local people on board.

“They have agreed to commission a study on the current structural integrity of Buingea Bridge and say they will implement the recommendations of the report in due course.

“Undertaking remedial works will of course be challenging because the underlying ground conditions are impacted by changes in water levels in the reservoir,” he said.