Locals are angry over inaction by authorities following fatalities at Ballymascanlon Bridge. The bridge is considered to be the most dangerous in the country.
The death of all four members of the Woods family in a road traffic accident at Ballymascalon’s notorious bridge in County Louth has angered locals. They believe that these deaths could have been avoided if warnings had been heeded years ago.
The bridge lies at the end of a long stretch of road in the direction of Dundalk. In less than two years, it has claimed eight lives in two accidents. There has been a long list of appalling accidents on the bridge.
Local resident Colm MacDowell recalls seeing the wreckage of a car containing badly injured young people.
Marie Hernon’s daughter was killed on the bridge in 1991 and she visited the scene of the Wood’s family tragedy. She believes their deaths highlight the failure of the authorities to do anything about the dangerous bridge.
Death after death, that’s all, talked about for a little while and then it’s forgotten about.
Brendan McGahon TD for Louth is demanding that money is provided for a new bridge.
The County Manager of Louth County Council says the bridge is now a priority for the council. Plans for a new structure are being rushed through, but it could be two years before the work is carried out. In the meantime, locals are calling for temporary traffic lights to be set up on the bridge.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 September 1993. The reporter is Adrian Beattie.
