By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy
Safety barriers have been erected on both sides of the stone wall as a protection measure between the busy junction of Abbey Square and Abbey Quay and the River Slaney near the Seamus Rafter Bridge in Enniscorthy.
The wall was stuck by a stolen vehicle some weeks ago, but in recent days some of the damaged stonework has deteriorated and gaping holes and falling stones and mortar have appeared converting the popular scene, which favours access to the river, into a danger zone.
The barriers are a warning to the public, the traffic flow is not affected at this time and the footpath is useable with care, and it is expected that repair works will commence early in the New Year.
This riverside part of Enniscorthy changed into its modern format as part of the N11 inner ring road scheme which culminated in the erection of the Seamus Rafter Bridge which was officially opened by Padraig Flynn TD, then Minister of the Environment, on May 31st 1991.
The bridge, which is named after Séamus Rafter from Ballindaggin, Commandant of the Irish Volunteers in 1916 whose 1958 statue stands in Abbey Square, has been the subject of blame for flooding over the years.
Going forward, plans for Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme – Phase 1 – is titled the New River Slaney Bridge Project.
This phase of the project will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the town centre.
The baseline data for this phase is currently being updated. Traffic surveys are complete, ecology survey reports are complete. Public consultation will take place in Q1 (Quarter One) 2025.
The planning application is to be submitted in Q4 2025.
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