'A new road and bridge needs to be built into Cobh': Call for Great Island back-up bridge plan

A member of Cork County Council has asked the local authority to draw up an emergency plan that would include the possibility of building a pontoon bridge in case Belvelly Bridge, which connects the mainland to the Great Island, were taken out of commission.

Cobh-based Labour councillor Cathal Rasmussen raised the matter at yesterday’s full council meeting, expressing concern about what contingency plan was in place should the vital connection be made impassable.

“We all know that a new road and bridge needs to be built into Cobh. To be honest, the discussion normally focuses on the fact that the road is closed for whatever reason — but we never really discuss what would happen if the bridge became impassible or was taken out of commission for days or weeks,” he said.

“I accept it goes without saying that a multi-agency response would be needed,” he added.

“At present, if there is a serious incident on the road, it’s simple — we all sit and wait for the road to reopen. There’s no real need for traffic management, as you can go nowhere.”

Traffic delays when an incident occurs on the R264 have been raised before at council meetings. At yesterday’s meeting, councillors referred to previous flooding incidents when it was thought that the 200-year-old bridge might be swept away.

Niall Healy, the divisional manager for North Cork, told councillors that in the event of “unforeseen circumstances” which could impede “access and egress to and from Great Island, a multi-agency response would be required”.

“In such a scenario, the council’s Major Emergency Management Plan may need to be activated,” said Mr Healy.

“A Local Co-ordination Group (LCG) may also need to be convened to address the issues arising. The LCG comprises of a range of emergency response agencies including the local authority, HSE, An Garda Síochána, and — dependent on the circumstances — other relevant stakeholders. In addition, responses would likely be required from Port of Cork, Irish Rail, Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and NTA/Bus Éireann, as well as other associated groups and agencies.”

Mr Healy said the council would request that it be referred to the regional steering group for major emergencies to consider whether a plan was required in the context of the issues raised.