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By Fiona Magennis - Drogheda Independent, June 28th 2006 THE pedestrian bridge at Scotch Hall was closed to the public at the weekend after it was hit by a runaway boat which had been unmoored by vandals just minutes beforehand. The De Lacy pedestrian bridge was struck with force by the boat, which was unmanned at the time, and remained closed throughout the weekend and on Monday while the manufacturers and a structural engineer carried out an assessment of the damage. Gardal are investigating the incident after, a person was seen running away from the boat. The owner of the vessel was unaware the boat had been unmoored until he was informed after the incident took place. The gardai and members of local rescue organisations were called to the scene and had to free the boat before even more damage was done to it or the bridge. The gardal and the Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service (BFRRS), assisted by Drogheda River Rescue, attended the scene and helped to rescue the boat after receiving an emergency call out at 9am on Saturday morning. 'The bridge was closed on Saturday and Sunday and it is closed today [Monday] as well, we need a structural engineer to look at it because it was hit quite hard by the trawler,' said Scotch Hall Director Phil Alexander. 'We have got the manufacturer of the bridge and the engineer to look at so if they give us the all clear then we can open the bridge again.' A spokesperson for the BFRRS said they had just ten minutes to help free the boat and bring the situation under control before the rising spring tide would have wedged the trawler under the bridge, causing untold damage to both the bridge and the boat. A notice informed members of the public to use the south mall entrance as the bridge would be closed until further notice and cones blocked off the walkway until a structural assessment was carried out. A passing lorry driver also assisted at the scene and the actions of all involved helped to avert a very serious situation. The BFRRS Spokes person commented: 'We were on the scene within minutes, due to the rising tide, both the gardai and ourselves knew we had to act quickly, to bring the situation under control. 'We would like to thank the lorry driver, and all those who offered their assistance.' |
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