CLLR John Costelloe is appealing to the relevant bodies in government to proceed with the process of opening the Black Bridge at Plassey which has been closed since 2010 due to safety concerns.
The Bridge dates back to 1840 and many Limerick families have fond memories of the bridge when they visited Plassey. The Black bridge is about 5 km upstream on the river Shannon from Limerick city centre.
“Approaching Plassey across the bridge allows for a majestic view of the picturesque scenery.
This crossing would widen the whole experience of our wonderful walkways and link in with the cycling network in the area” explained Cllr Costelloe.
This crossing would widen the whole experience of our wonderful walkways and link in with the cycling network in the area” explained Cllr Costelloe.
The previous council had been urged by former Cllr Seighin O Ceallaigh to open the Bridge, some funding had been secured but the council did not commit to the project at the time.
Now there is further commitment from the government and this is to be welcomed.
Now there is further commitment from the government and this is to be welcomed.
A number of months ago Cllr Costelloe had raised this with the council and received a positive response in which they stated -“The Black Bridge forms a logical crossing of the Shannon connecting existing/ proposed Green ways on the Limerick and Clare sides of the river. Waterways Ireland will be leading the progression of the Greenway in County Clare and are shortly to set up a steering group consisting of representatives of Limerick city and county council, Clare county council, the Electricity supply board to secure the necessary funding.Limerick city and county council has raised with the National Transport Authority the potential of the black bridge serving as a logical Shannon crossing point for linking Active Travel Modes/ Green routes across the river and will strive to include this connection in the draft Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport strategy.Inclusion in LSMATS is critical to securing funding to deliver an appropriate river crossing point and Limerick city and county council will seek to secure the black bridge as the appropriate location.”
Cllr Costelloe concluded” This is a very positive response from the council and my information tells me that the wheels are in motion to commence the planning process. As a child I spent many happy Days in Plassey like many Limerick families so let’s return this bridge to Its former glory and let our citizens enjoy to its full potential another gem in our city”
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