Uncertain Future For Bridge 1978

Environment

A forty year dispute over the bridge connecting counties Waterford and Kilkenny at Fiddown continues.

Due to pressure from a powerful local family, the Waterford Limerick and Western Railway Company were obliged to construct and maintain a bridge to connect Fiddown Station in County Kilkenny with Portlaw in County Waterford. The bridge was completed in 1867.

CIÉ is stuck with the result and none too happy about it.

The Fiddown Bridge needs replacing but Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) area manager Tony O'Connor is adamant the company cannot pay the estimated £800,000 to do this. In his view, as Fiddown station is no longer in use, CIÉ should not be obliged to maintain the bridge.

Fiddown Bridge is 236 metres long and is actually two distinct bridges separated by an island in the River Suir. Kilkenny County Council has the biggest part, 136 meters and Waterford County Council has 100 meters.

The Kilkenny section is in the worse condition and has an estimated lifespan of 3 years. The Waterford side is better off, but still is only expected to last 20 years. Three previous attempts to replace the bridge failed in 1938, 1946 and 1964.

Waterford county councillor Pat Coffey wants to see the bridge replaced and as owners he thinks CIÉ should cover the cost. Tony O’Connor disagrees but adds CIÉ might be amenable to committing some assistance towards the cost of a new bridge.

We would be open to negotiations with the local authorities towards a possible contribution.

Eamonn Meade, chairman of Fiddown Development Association speaks of the importance of the bridge to the local population. The present condition of the bridge sees Fiddown isolated from its natural hinterland of Portlaw.

Pat Coffey also notes the importance of the bridge to the many people who live and work in Portlaw and Fiddown. The bridge is used by south Kilkenny workers to reach Waterford Industrial Estate and others working in the Portlaw Tannery, about 100 of who cross the bridge twice a day.