A damaged pedestrian bridge linking Counties Kilkenny and Tipperary is unlikely to be replaced until some time into 2027 – with a funding application for a new crossing expected to be submitted within the next two months.
The central section of the footbridge over the River Lingaun, just outside Carrick-on-Suir, collapsed in early January, forcing the bridge’s closure to the public.
The bridge forms part of the South Leinster Way, a walking trail which runs from Kildavin in Carlow, through County Kilkenny and into Carrick.
Piltown Municipal District Chairperson, Cllr Pat Dunphy explained to KCLR News’ Dermot Keyes what lies ahead when it comes to replacing the damaged crossing, noting; “The funding then, they’re looking at the ORIS funding for I suppose walks and various things like that, that will be submitted in April or May and when that’s submitted that’s going to the Department and have to wait for the Department, that’s going to take a few months again, if they got approval and they get money there it’ll mean then it’ll go to the whole planning process and I needn’t tell you that that takes a bit of time especially with a bridge”.
