Seamus Rafter Bridge in Enniscorthy could be demolished under town's flood relief plan
SEAMUS RAFTER BRIDGE in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, could be demolished as part of a flood relief scheme for the town.
Significant floods hit the town over Christmas 2021 as one-metre waves cause '
devastating damage
' to property, businesses and roads.
Extensive flood relief works will take place in Enniscorthy in the coming months, as the Office of Public Works (OPW) seeks to reduce the adverse affects the town has faced as a result of extreme flooding.
The first phase of the plan sees the removal of the landmark bridge, located over the River Slaney in Enniscorthy.
Advertisement
The bridge following extreme flooding at Christmas 2021.
OPW
OPW
A pedestrian bridge and road bridge will replace the existing crossing at 'suitable locations' above the predicted flood levels, the OPW has said.
Phase two will involve the completion of outstanding relief works that are required in the town.
Along with Wexford County Council, the OPW has
launched a public consultation for the town
, seeking opinions from locals on the first phase of a flood relief scheme.
Potential locations for the new pedestrian and road bridges in Enniscorthy.
OPW
OPW
The Seamus Rafter Bridge was
named after a native Irish Republic Brotherhood commander
who took on a leadership role during the Easter Rising in 1916.
Damage to property, disruption to businesses and traffic issues as a result of extreme flooding events has
taken place consistently since 1924
, the OPW has said.
Successive Easter Rising commemorations for the rebellion leader
were held at the bridge
, which was opened in 1991.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford's ‘secret garden' may be getting an extension as council called upon to purchase adjoining lands
Wexford People Today at 21:00 One of Co Wexford's best kept secrets may be getting an extension after calls were made to purchase some of its adjoining lands. Located in the middle of Rosslare Harbour, Kirwan's Garden (also known as The Secret Garden) has been developed and maintained by the local environmental group who have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag for their work there. The small woodland and park area, which features a pond, a hobbit house, and picnic benches, faces out onto approximately two-and-a-half acres of unused land; and at the May meeting of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) cathaoirleach Jim Codd asked whether that land could be purchased so that the garden could be extended. 'I have visited The Secret Garden and it's an absolute credit to the group, it's the most fantastic woodland, you could only feel better in yourself after walking through it,' said Councillor Codd. 'I know Wexford County Council (WCC) has assisted the group down there previously, but I understand there's a couple of acres at the back of it – it's Office of Public Works (OPW) land. "Could we write to the OPW and try to secure it? Community groups like this must be supported. To have a forest like that in the middle of a built up area is simply fantastic.' Environmental engineer Rory O'Mahony also visited the garden recently and remarked that the OPW did not appear to be 'particular interested' in the land in question. Director of services with the RMD, Lynda Lacey, offered some further hope as she promised that she would 'investigate and see what potential there is to purchase' the land in question. Separately the Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane Environment Group (RHKEG) has made a submission to the RMD asking that it purchase the land on its behalf. 'We are very conscious of the impact of climate change and the need to do our part in rewilding and giving back to nature,' wrote chairman of the RHKEG, Micheál Delaney. 'Our area is becoming more residential and industrial and we should be planning on developing biodiversity corridors where we can. An opportunity now exists and we strongly recommend that it be given fair consideration. 'There is a two-and-a-half acre site owned and currently unused by the OPW in the customs compound that borders our wetland/ biodiversity pond area. This is part of an overall 17 acre site. We understand that this entire facility will be moved to the port area within the coming years and that the land will become available for future development. "The two-and-a-half acres that border the gardens could help to develop an extensive woodland area of native trees and shrubs with added opportunity for restoration and protection of biodiversity. It will support the idea of a biodiversity corridor that allows nature to live and thrive amongst us. This is an opportunity for us to do something really beneficial for future generations. To have a seven-acre Village Park and Gardens within the confines of an expanding Rosslare Harbour and Kilrane would be wonderful.'
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- RTÉ News
Judge to decide on suspension of Sceilg Mhichíl permits
A High Court judge will decide this week whether to lift a suspension on boating permits for ferries to and from the UNESCO heritage island Sceilg Mhichíl, saying the case requires top priority as "people's livelihoods are at risk". The permits have not been issued while legal proceedings are before the courts in the form of a judicial review of the tendering process. At the High Court, Mr Justice Garret Simons said he was "staggered" by the assertion made by lawyers for the Office of Public Works that it would need six months to prepare the case. He ordered it to be heard next month. Two companies, which were unsuccessful in their applications for the 2025 season, have made a judicial review application, resulting in a delay to the granting of permits. The season runs from May to the end of September. The OPW ran a competition in late 2024 to award 15 boating permits for summer 2025 serving the monastic island, which was chosen as a film location for the Star Wars movies, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. However, in April 2025, two unsuccessful participants in the competition brought High Court proceedings challenging the outcome. The OPW said that under Irish and EU law, it was then precluded from issuing permits for the 2025 summer season until legal proceedings were resolved. Skellig Michael Boat Trips and Atlantic Endeavour Limited both dispute the process underpinning the granting of the licences, alleging it to be "deficient" and "without transparency" and have been granted permission for the challenge. At the High Court, David Dodd BL, for the plaintiffs, told Mr Justice Simons that nobody wanted to prevent boats from visiting the island. He said permits could be granted by the court in an interim fashion, as the issuing of a one-season permit was not a "contract", as contended by the OPW. He said his clients are happy for the suspension to be lifted. Mr Justice Simons asked Andrew Beck SC, for the OPW, why it would take six months to prepare for what the judge described as "the most straightforward case of competition for licences". Mr Beck said there was discovery of documents needed, amendments to make and a possible issue around cross-examination. Mr Justice Simons said he was "staggered" that the case would take up to six months to get on and that there were "livelihoods" at stake. The judge said the court would give the case "top priority", adding that the court had "gone out of its way" to facilitate an early trial. Mr Justice Simons said he would rule on Thursday of this week on whether to lift the suspension of the permits. He adjourned the substantive hearing of the judicial review to 21 July.
Agriland
6 days ago
- Agriland
OPW launches heritage research journal
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has launched a new Irish heritage studies journal showcasing original critical research rooted in the office's role in managing Ireland's state property portfolio, including 780 heritage sites and associated collections. In partnership with Gandon Editions, Irish Heritage Studies highlights original critical research focused on the extensive martial culture, built heritage, artistic collections, and national and international histories linked to Ireland's heritage sites and objects. The remit of the journal extends to the broader role of the OPW in Irish life over the past two centuries. The journal articles aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the remarkable collection of national heritage in OPW's care, and investigate new perspectives on aspects of its history. Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said that as custodians of so much of Ireland's rich heritage, they are excited to launch Irish Heritage Studies. Minister Moran said: 'It will help to foster a deeper understanding of Ireland's cultural legacy and OPW's role in protecting and conserving that legacy. 'The journal will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, inspiring preservation of our heritage and celebrating our nation's history. 'It also represents the first phase of OPW's plans to mark OPW200, the celebration of 200 years of OPW in Irish life.' Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran. Source: Sasko Lazarov (Photocall Ireland) Irish Heritage Studies also explores OPW's rich history, which ranges from civil engineering, famine relief, and loan administration to major building projects, and architectural and archaeological conservation and presentation. It aims to be a vital resource for schools and colleges, heritage professionals,and all those passionate about Ireland's history and its social and physical fabric. Every volume will feature new research findings focussing on aspects of Ireland's most iconic heritage sites. The first volume is available from OPW heritage sites. Copies are also available to order from the Gandon Editions website.
