The company that employed two workers who died while carrying out maintenance work on Thomond Bridge on the River Shannon yesterday has described their deaths as "heartbreaking".
TJ Herlihy, 36, from Castleisland Co Kerry and 29-year-old Brian Whelan from O'Briens Bridge, Co Clare, were killed after a cage-like structure they were working on collapsed into the river.
The incident took place around 3.30pm when a cable attached to the cage suspended over the side of the bridge gave way, plunging the workers into the water.
A statement issued on behalf of Irish Bridge – the company contracted to carry out the essential repair works – offered "its sincerest sympathies to the families of Brian and TJ following this terrible tragedy".
"It's heart-breaking, our thoughts and prayers are with their families, relatives and friends at this very sad time," it added.
The company thanked all the emergency service personnel "for their professionalism" adding: "We will, of course, co-operate fully with all authorities examining the incident. The company will not be making any further comment at this point."
Both victims were wearing life jackets but were also in harnesses, which were attached to the cage when it fell into the water.
A third worker managed to free his harness and swim down river and raise the alarm.
Mr Herlihy and Mr Whelan became trapped when the cage became submerged in the fast-flowing waters.
According to rescue workers the men were under water for at least ten minutes without breathing equipment.
It is understood it was their first day on the job, which began last Monday and was due to take ten weeks.
The victims were specialist workers employed by Irish Bridge in Askeaton, a Co Limerick based company that specialises in bridge repair work.
The company was contracted by Limerick City and Co Council to carry out the remedial works to Thomond Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in the city.
It is expected the strengthening works will be suspended for a number of weeks.
A council spokesman said the local authority is liaising with An Garda Síochána and the Health and Safety Authority in relation to the incident.
"Limerick City and County Council wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the families and colleagues of the deceased," added the spokesman.
