Trim bridge troubles will not be over until year 2027
Consultation open on Boyne river crossing
Two years after the ill-fated Millennium Bridge in Trim had to be demolished over health and safety concerns, plans for a replacement bridge have now been submitted to An Bord Pleanala for approval.
However, even if approval is secured and all goes to plan, it will still be the first quarter of 2027 before the new footbridge linking the Trim Castle with the Porchfields will be open.
An update was given to local councillors at their July meeting on Friday who were told that the preferred bridge design is 30m span steel truss footbridge which is slim in appearance, aesthetically pleasing within its surroundings and is similar colour to the previous structure. The approach embankments will be regraded on both sides of the river to accommodate the new bridge with bound surfacing on both approaches.
As it is in a sensitive environmental area, it must to go an Bord Pleanala for approval and the public consultation as part of this process began yesterday (Monday) and continues until 6th September.
An appropriate assessment screening was carried out and it determined that a Natura Impact Statement would be required due to the bridge's close proximity to the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) in the River Boyne and Blackwater.
A Natura Impact Statement was prepared to provide an examination, analysis and evaluation of the potential impacts of the proposed development on European site. This was submitted with the Bord Pleanala application who will decide whether or not the pedestrian bridge will adversely affect the integrity of any European sites.
The proposed development includes installation of new 30m span steel truss footbridge over the River Boyne adjacent to Trim Castle; removal of the existing concrete bankseats; construction on new reinforced concrete abutments; regrading of approach embankments; fencing/guardrails; landscaping and environmental mitigation measures.
Councillors were given a anticipated timeframe where Meath County Council expect a decision from An Bord Pleanála in the third quarter of 2025 with design and tender documentation be prepared in the fourth quarter of 2025. It is anticipated that the contract woud be awarded and construction commence in the third quarter of 2026 and that the project would be completed in the first quarter of 2027. This is all subject to funding.
Following the closure of the original bridge and it subsequent removal, a temporary bailey bridge was erected to maintain access to the Porchfields from the castle and town centre.
Cllr Aisling Dempsey said: “We were very lucky to have received the loan of the temporary bridge, we remain very thankful. It is an important link between the Castle and Yellow Steeple/Porchfields for locals and tourists alike. Not just for the summer months but as we look ahead to October and the Puca Festival as well".
She added: "There has been reform and additional resources added to An Bord Pleanala so I hope we will not experience the huge delays in decision making that we have in the past.”