Published: Wednesday, 27th January, 2010 5:30pm

More delays for Garrycastle bridge project

Construction work on a new bridge at Garrycastle has been hit by a further delay, it has emerged.

Westmeath County Council last week revealed that it would have to reapply for planning permission for the redesign of the bridge. This was "due to the requirement of Iarnrod Eireann and structural design issues".

A detailed design of the new bridge has, however, been finalised.

This process, known as Part 8 (through which the council seeks public submissions on its own plans), is expected to commence shortly. This stage could take up to three months to complete.

A council spokesperson told Cllr Frankie Keena: "Discussions are ongoing with Iarnrod Eireann and affected landowners with a view to finalising detailed accommodation works for inclusion in the contract documents.

"Funding to progress the scheme to tender in the current year has been sought from the Department of Transport."

Late last year Athlone Town Council said it hoped construction would commence in August next, subject to funding being approved.

Plans for a realignment of Garrycastle Bridge were first published in 2003, but have been dogged by delays in the intervening years.