New Laytown bridge a fitting tribute to former area minister

The €1.5 million footbridge over the Nanny river in Laytown was officially opened last Wednesday by Cllr Pat Boshell, outgoing chairman of the Slane Area Council. The Jimmy Tully Bridge is named after former Meath Labour Party TD and government minister, Jimmy Tully, a native of east Meath. The bridge will give easy pedestrian access to the 30-acre Seafield lands, which Meath County Council plans to develop as an amenity area. It is wide enough to carry an emergency ambulance if necessary. At the opening ceremony last Wednesday, Jimmy Tully"s daughters, grandchildren and great granchildren walked across the new bridge. Among those who attended the event were Meath County Council cathaoirleach, Cllr Liz McCormack, and Meath County Manager, Tom Dowling. Meath County Council bought the 30 acres of land at Seafield over 30 years ago when Jimmy Tully was still a public representative for Meath. Cllr Pat boshell said he was delighted to see the bridge completed and added there was now an opportunity to get together and mark out facilities such as GAA, hurling, soccer and hiockey pitches on the Seafield land. He also pointed out that there were plans to provide facilities for the local guides and scouts on the land. 'This is long overdue in the area,' he said. Cllr Tom Kelly said the bridge meant that the council could at last develop the Seafield area as an amenity for local people and a management committee was already in place to do this, 'There is plenty of car parking in front of the bridge and we have plans for playground on the north side of the river as well,' he said. The opening of the new Jimmy Tully bridge was described as a fitting tribute to a great Meath man by Senator Dominic Hannigan. 'Since I entered politics, I have consistently met people from across the county who remember Jimmy Tully and comment on the great work he did for people throughout the county. He was a builder of bridges in communities and this new bridge is a fitting tribute to his work,' he said. Deputy Thomas Byrne also welcomed the opening of the bridge. 'It is a very useful facility for the community, particularly those using the Seafield area. It will also allow people safe passage to the beaches and to walk to Gormanston.' He added it was a great honour for the Tully family that the bridge was named after the former minister, who is fondly remembered in east Meath.