By Dan Walsh
The pedestrian Spike Bridge, which crosses the Owenavorragh river and is part of Courtown Woods and the Wexford Walking Trails, has been restored and is safe to cross again after a section of the wooden floor had fallen away.
Local enthusiasts, including Michael O’Callaghan, author of The Boy Who Kicked the Nun, informed WexfordLocal.com about a potential danger. However, he has now sent photographs indicating that the Spike Bridge is safe to cross again.
Last February a notice on the bridge read; “Please note that Spike Bridge is closed due to safety concerns. The bridge will reopen once repairs have been made. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Due to the cultural and local significance of this bridge, Courtown Heritage Group became anxious that it be restored and returned to use as soon as possible. Coilte responded positively, repairs were carried out and the bridge was made safe again.
The bridge allows for access to woodland managed by Coillte on the north side of the Owenavorragh river, linking the 1.4km Bridge Walk which is especially popular for active travel and river anglers.
This timber bridge was once an Iron spiked bridge which workers on Lord Courtown’s estate used. It was locked by night after the last workers went home and opened again in the morning, to allow workers access to their workplace.
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