Work to bring Boyneside Trail back to life well underway

Paul Murphy

Work is well under way to clear the debris left by the fire which destroyed a 125-metre stretch of the boardwalk along the Boyneside Trail at Oldbridge.
Meath County Council workers used diggers to to clear the charred remains of the boardwalk which was burned in a night-time fire last week. Arson is suspected and Gardai at Laytown are carrying out investigations into the cause of the fire.

The Council workers cleared the debris and flattened the underlying surface of the boardwalk and spread stones in what was regarded as a temporary repair before further work of restoration can take place. The Council has said it is fully committed to restoration of the popular walking and cycling trail but added that it would take a number of months for the repair work to be completed.

The Boyneside Trail voluntary committee said that the response from the public to the fire has been "overwhelming". Committee member Eddie Phelan said that print, social media and airwaves had been filled with a mix of anger and sadness at the damage but people had been quick to respond with offers of help and donations to a GoFundMe campaign had reached €10,000. "The repair and restoration work needed will be extensive, possibly €200,000. Funding for this work will need to come from Meath County Council and State agencies. But the money raised by the public is a clear sign that the community values this amenity and wants to see it restored as soon as possible."

He welcomed Meath County Council's commitment to complete restoration of the damaged section. Another committee member, Geoff Fitzpatrick, said: "We also appreciate the fact that they are constructing a temporary solution to ensure that the Boyneside Trail can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike during Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann

ICYMI: Drogheda boardwalk fire believed to have been started deliberately