Dismantling historic bridge has significantly compromised the integrity of structure
By Aimee Walsh
TALLAGHT Community Council say the dismantling of the bridge at Whitestown Way has “significantly compromised the integrity” of the structure, following a statement from South Dublin County Council..
Tallaght Community Council have said that they “welcome the statement” issued by the council regarding the dismantling and removal of the historic bridge at the construction site on Whitestown Way in Tallaght but say it did not address all of their queries and request that the bridge should be reinstated in its original location “as soon as possible”.
The 200-year-old bridge before it was dismantled
The removal of the bridge was part of the development of the older persons social housing project between Tallaght Stadium and Sean Walsh Park on Whitestown Way by Clúid Housing Association and South Dublin County Council.
During the public consultation for the development, there were submissions lodged calling for the protection of the remains of the bridge and it was agreed that the structure would be incorporated into site works in the housing development.
In response to the statement by the council, TCC have said: “We believe the removal of the structure has significantly compromised the integrity of this unique feature. This removal has the capacity to significantly erode the unique and historical value of this site. We believe that this could have and should have been avoided.”
TCC added that they do not believe a recreated landscape “folly bridge” in a different location in the development respects and responds to the historical concerns that were outlined in the part 8.
After been dismantled
“In the absence of the detailed final design being made available to the community, we cannot and have not been assured that the concerns, wishes, or commitments of TCC and the community of Tallaght, regarding the history and heritage of our community, have been respected in relation to this site,” said Liz Kennedy, Voluntary Chair of TCC.
In their response, TCC outlined points that they are now seeking clarification on in relation to the removal and reinstatement of the historic bridge.
They have requested that the bridge be reinstated in its original location as soon as possible to “re- establish the integrity of the historical structure, as well as requesting that the full structure and location be added to the South Dublin County Council list of protected structures and that the council write to NIAH to add it to the archive”.
“Tallaght Community Council believes it is not too late, to preserve for future generations, this modest but important feature – one of the last remaining features of Tallaght’s built history and heritage,” concluded Albert Perris, Voluntary Heritage Officer, TCC.
