Mayo bridge steeped in history is now in poor condition
Cllr Seamus Weir was unhappy with the Council's stance on taking in charge of the bridge crossing the Deel at Deel Castle
A local councillor has said the public should not have to financially contribute to taking charge of an old bridge with historical significance.
Cllr Seamus Weir raised a notice of motion at last week's meeting of the Ballina Municipal District, calling on Mayo Co Council to take charge of the bridge over the River Deel at Deelcastle.
Cllr Weir said the bridge was of great importance as General Humbert crossed it with his Anglo-French Army in 1798 as part of the broader United Irishman's rebellion.
Engineer Vincent O'Boyle said the road was in poor condition and that repair works would need to be carried out for the council to satisfy the criteria to allow it to take charge of the bridge and the adjoining road. The cost of these works would be €116,000.
Cllr Weir criticised the engineer's response and said it was "cloud cuckoo land stuff" as it failed to address the main point of his motion, concerning the bridge. He said if local people were asked to contribute financially to these costs, it would be "disgraceful".
