Cork City Council announce closure of Mary Elmes Bridge following joyriding incident

Cork City Council has announced that “in the interest of public safety”, the Mary Elmes Bridge has been temporarily closed.

The closure of the public walkway, which was officially opened in 2019, comes following damage as a result of a public order incident late last week.

A spokesperson for the Local Authority issued a statement today saying that several wooden decking panels, located on the eastern upriver side of the bridge, were damaged on Sunday night during a joyriding incident.

The joyriding incident, which saw a group of men unlawfully take and operate a utility vehicle across the city centre, resulted in the arrest of two individuals.

“Cork City Council are working hard to get the bridge re-opened as soon as possible, with a view to having temporary risk mitigation measures in place and access reinstated," the spokesperson said.

“The full cost of repairs is still being assessed.

"Unfortunately, access to the seating areas will be prohibited in the interim until the damaged items can be sourced and replaced.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding that safety is paramount, and like you, we look forward to having the Mary Elmes Bridge back to its former condition at the earliest opportunity.” 

The Mary Elmes bridge, linking St Patrick’s Quay to Merchant’s Quay, was installed to promote greater use of cycling and walking amongst people travelling between the city centre and MacCurtain Street.

According to the council, it has become a vital transport route in the city centre and is used by at least 11,000 people every day.