Upgrades planned for bridges on approach to West Cork village

Upgrade works to two bridges on the approach to Ardgroom village on the Beara Peninsula are needed amid concerns that lowered wall heights are posing a serious risk to road users.

The issue was raised at a recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District by independent councillor Finbarr Harrington.

In a motion, Mr Harrington called for the walls on both bridges along the R571, on the Castletownbere side of Ardgroom, to be raised and repaired. He said recent roadworks, which saw the roadway level increased, have left the bridge walls “dangerously low”.

Executive engineer Kevin Lynch confirmed that the matter has been reviewed and said the local authority intends to address the issue in its works programme for this year.

“I have reviewed the situation and will organise to have these works put on a programme for this year,” 

Mr Lynch said in response.

Welcoming the commitment, Mr Harrington said the works cannot come soon enough given the volume of traffic using the route, particularly during the busy tourist season.

“This is the main route from Castletownbere to Kenmare and is a very busy road, especially during the summer months,” he said.

He warned the low height of the bridge walls, combined with damage to at least one section, is creating a hazardous situation for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Among the incidents raised was a recent near-miss involving a cyclist who was forced to pull in while a truck passed, narrowly avoiding falling into the river below.

“I got a call from a cyclist who had to pull to the side when a truck was passing and she almost ended up in the river,” Mr Harrington said, adding Ardgroom experiences a significant influx of visitors during the summer, increasing traffic volumes and activity.

“There are a lot of children playing around the village as well. Someone will end up in the water if this isn’t addressed,” he warned.

The motion was seconded by Fine Gael councillor Caroline Cronin, who supported calls for prompt action to ensure the safety of all road users.

Responding to the council’s commitment to carry out the works, Mr Harrington said it would come as a welcome relief to local residents: “It will be a great relief to the people of the village.”

The timeline for the works has yet to be confirmed, but the council indicated they will be included in this year’s programme.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.