The Chetwynd Viaduct once carried a rail line over the Cork Bandon road but is now in decay.
Designed by Charles Nixon and constructed between 1849 and 1851, the Chetwynd Viaduct formed part of the Great Southern and Western Railway network and was in operation until 1961.
Unused now for fourteen years, the structure is now in a dangerous state of disrepair. Concern is growing that this imposing edifice which spans the main Cork to Bandon road is becoming a health and safety hazard.
Nearby garage owner Christy Buckley believes that the viaduct poses a danger to cars travellig on the road beneath.
I've seen rotten steel fall off it.
The national transport authority CIÉ (Córas Iompair Éireann) is responsible for the structure, says chief planning officer of Cork Corporation John Power. He confirms that there is a risk of sections of the decking of the bridge, falling off.
CIÉ, for its part, says the condition of the bridge is regularly monitored, but it cannot find a contractor who will carry out work on it.
Tom Henley, chairman of the Cork Preservation Society, believes that the viaduct is a noteworthy example of architecture and engineering and should be retained. Funding for any future course of action will come from the public purse and he believes public money should fund this heritage structure.
A 'Newsround’ report broadcast on 16 November 1975. The reporter is Seán Duignan.
