Tender for repair works to historic Cork city bridge to be issued next month  

Cork City Council has confirmed that a tender will be issued next month for works to repair an iconic Cork City bridge that was badly damaged earlier this year.

A large corner section of the historic Parliament Bridge wall was knocked when a car struck it in May, with the incident also hospitalising two people with non-life-threatening injuries.

Former lord mayor of Cork, Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, had asked the chief executive for an update on the bridge’s repair, having previously told The Echo: “Any history enthusiasts, like myself, will be keen to see it fixed.” He added that he would love a full refurbishment.

Gerry O’Beirne, director of services in the infrastructure development department, told Mr McCarthy on Monday that some work has already commenced.

Collapse

In a written response, he explained: “Following a vehicular impact, approximately eight linear metres of the south-western parapet at Parliament Bridge sustained complete or partial collapse.

“The area was immediately made safe, and all elements of the damaged parapet were subsequently retrieved from the riverbed by specialist contractor.

“An assessment of the damaged-parapet elements was undertaken by stone conservation specialists.”

“This assessment is now complete, and works have commenced on the repair and replacement of damaged or missing parapet elements,” said Mr O’Beirne.

“It is anticipated that these repair works will be completed at the workshop of the stone-conservation specialists by early December 2024.

“Structural engineers were also engaged to assess the damage to Parliament Bridge and to assist in the design of the remedial works.

“Tender documents are currently being finalised and it is anticipated that a tender for the main works contract will issue in early November to include for the reinstatement of the repaired parapet elements and will also include for the upgrade/replacement of both footways and for the replacement of the parapet lighting.

“Members will be kept appraised of ongoing progress,” Mr O’Beirne added.