GoFundMe campaign started to restore Boyneside Trail after devastating blaze
A GoFundMe page has been established in the aftermath of the devastating blaze that destroyed part of the much-loved Boyneside Trail last Thursday night.
The fire, believed to have been started deliberately gutted a section of the 125m long stretch of the walkway with locals descriving the scene as “absolutely devastating”.
The fire was first reported as a grass fire at about 11pm but when Drogheda firefighters arrived it was discovered the boardwalk had been set alight.
The blaze could be seen for several miles, including from the nearby M1 motorway. The fire caused extensive damage to the wooden structure but also to kerbing and phone lines which serve the nearby visitor centre at Oldbridge.
Photo courtesy Craig Reay
The exact cause of the fire is unknown at this stage but Gardai suspect that it was caused by arson.
Members of the Boyneside Trail Committee assessed the damage on Friday.
Committee member Eddie Phelan, who is also a civil and structural engineer, explains: “The damage was done to a stretch of the boardwalk that starts at The Lock Gate and weaves eastwards towards Drogheda. This was a section that was on stilts out over the water. The structure, the stilts and the boardwalk itself have all been destroyed.”
Eddie continues “The work to reinstate this section of boardwalk will start with removal of the debris, driving new stilts into the riverbed, fitting a new support structure and then construction of a new deck and handrail. The concrete plinth and the road have also been damaged by the fire and will need to be repaired.”
Photo courtesy Craig Reay
The cost of the re-instatement could be up to €200,000 but from time of commencement could be a relatively quick job. A GoFundMe campaign to support the reinstatement of the boardwalk has now being agreed as a way of making a “Community Contribution” towards the costs.
The Boyneside Trail Committee were formed in 2012, arising from the RTÉ Local Heroes campaign. This small team of volunteers had a vision to create a beautiful walkway along the river for the pleasure of locals and visitors alike. They were instrumental in the development of the current boardwalk and have spent the last number of years on plans to extend it.
The Boyneside Trail is a treasured amenity for locals and visitors alike. Committee member Geoff Fitzpatrick continues, “We’ve been thrilled to see people running, walking and cycling along the Trail for the last 4 years. Not only does it bring people closer to nature and give them a greater appreciation of our riverside setting but is also leads out to the magnificent Oldbridge House and Gardens. Re-instatement of this section of the boardwalk is essential to ensure that the larger vision for this riverside trail can be completed.”
The section of the trail from Drogheda to Oldbridge is just Phase 1 in the bigger plan to create a trail from the mouth of the Boyne at Mornington all the way along the river as far as Navan.
Photo courtesy Craig Reay
Eddie continues “We are utterly devastated by the careless destruction of an amenity that local people hold so dear. But we cannot allow ourselves to be dragged down with thoughts of anyone doing this on purpose. We have leave that to the Gardai to investigate. Our role now is to harness our own determination and the support of the community to ensure that this section is reinstated and the that the remainder of the trail is completed as soon as possible. We are calling on both Local Authorities and the elected representatives to pull out all the stops and reinstate this amenity.”
Speaking about Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Drogheda in just over two weeks, Eddie suggested “With such huge numbers of visitors to the Boyne Valley, we need to make the Boyneside Trail and Oldbridge House accessible to visitors. We are confident that, with the right approach, an appropriate and safe walk-around will be put in place.”
Speaking on behalf of the Boyneside Trail Committee, Geoff concluded “The silver lining around this dark cloud has been the response of local people and their sense of ownership of this amenity. We knew that people really enjoyed it but the outpouring of sadness and the sharing of photos from the boardwalk today have really confirmed to us how much it is loved and how important it is to get it repaired.”
Cllr Sharon Tolan said “It is crucial the Gardaí pursue this investigation rigorously. We cannot allow individuals capable of this kind of malicious behavior to get away unpunished.
"I have already spoken with both our Area Engineer, and Director of Services in relation to the damage. We must act swiftly to ensure visitors and locals can continue to enjoy this wonderful amenity as soon as possible,” stressed Tolan.
To show your support for this campaign and regular updates, please follow the Boyneside Trail on Facebook www.Facebook.com/BoynesideTrail.ie and you can access the GoFundMe page here