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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTOWN/FONTHILL AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor Alan Hayes

To ask the Chief Executive to expediate the preservation and restoration of The King John's Bridge in Esker, Lucan and if he can put in place any structural supports for the Bridge to prevent its collapse.

REPORT:

The Councils Architectural Conservation Officer and Consultant Conservation Engineer had agreed to meet in March to carry out a full inspection of the site and discuss how best to progress this project and agree on an appropriate schedule of works, which will depend on the rate of root decay. This has been delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

A meeting has been rescheduled for the beginning of July in order to inspect the root decay and to discuss and agree a programme of works which will include for the removal of roots and the repointing and repair to the existing bridge structure as part of remedial repair works. Once works have been agreed, conservation contractors will be engaged to carry out the remedial repairs required and remove the sycamore roots.

With regard to the bridge structure, it should be noted that the bridge has been inspected several times by the consultant conservation engineer who has never indicated any concerns on the structural integrity of the bridge. The only damage being caused is due to the sycamore root penetration which has undermined the mortar.