Repair works to Cork's Parliament bridge get underway

Cork City Council has announced that repair works on the Parliament Bridge will commence today, almost one year after the structure was damaged in a road traffic collision.

In May of 2024, a vehicle collided with bridge at the junction on Sullivan’s Quay, damaging an 8m long stone parapet, which ultimately had to be removed by the council.

In a post shared on social media this weekend, a spokesperson for Cork City Council said that crews will begin to repair the stone parapet from the beginning of this week, with works expected to last for up to four months.

Due to the ongoing works, the council has advised that alternating footpath closures surrounding the bridge will be in place until the completion of such works.

Repointing

“On Monday, April 28, crews will begin repairing the stone parapet on Parliament Bridge” the spokesperson said.

“The works will also extend to the cleaning and repointing of the bridge’s facades and parapets and the replacement of footways and kerbs.

“The works are expected to be completed by late August.

“A footpath closure will be in place on one side of the bridge at a time in order to facilitate works,” they said.

“Pedestrians are asked to please follow signage in place to cross the bridge safely - traffic lanes will not be impacted by the works.”

Welcome

Independent councillor, Kieran McCarthy said that while he welcomes the reparation works of the stone parapet, he is further calling for additional works at the site to include the refurbishment of existing light fixtures.

“The works on Parliament Bridge are very welcome,” said Mr McCarthy.

“Ever before the recent and unfortunate collision, there has been a long campaign to clean this historic bridge.

“Dating back to 1806, it is up there as one of the oldest bridges in the suite of the city’s bridges - it is a stunning photogenic structure when the sun hits it, and an impressive gateway to the South Mall and the city centre island.

“I will be continuing my push as well to have the lighting standards fixed on the bridge. For far too long the lamps have been switched off and almost hanging off their poles," he added.

“As well as that, with public realm works continuing on Morrison’s Island and works at South Main Street, it is appropriate that Parliament Bridge gets serious attention.

“I will also be continuing my call for South Gate Bridge to get a good cleaning next.”