UL broke deal on bridge, anglers claim

THE University of Limerick has backtracked on a deal it made after it announced plans to build a pedestrian bridge on the campus, an anglers group has claimed.

After losing one battle triggered by a new bridge across the Shannon at the third level institution, anglers were shocked to learn that the university plans to proceed with a second bridge about 50 meters upstream.

Anglers said the proposed site for the pedestrian bridge is a very important heritage and wildlife preserve and is a matter of great concern.

Anglers withdrew objections to the first bridge when UL undertook to rehabilitate the river bed which is cited on an important stretch of fishery at Plassey.

UL built a vehicular bridge to connect a new campus site on the Clare side of the Shannon after prolonged negotiations with anglers and other interested groups.

Now the university says it plans to proceed with a second bridge for pedestrians, to be built upstream from the first bridge.

UL has written to the Shannon and Mulcair District Anglers Association and the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board informing them of their plans for a second bridge.

Niall Greene, secretary of the Shannon and Mulcair Anglers Association, said it is proposed to build the second bridge on a very important fishery area.

When objections were lodged to the first bridge, he said a forum was established where all sides sat down and agreed on a deal by which UL undertook to repair any damage caused to the fishery during construction work.

“The construction of a second bridge upstream from the first one is contrary to everything we understood UL intended to do,” he said.

Mr Greene received a letter from the University in which they set out their proposal to build a second pedestrian bridge.

“We will reserve our position until we see the planning application which will have to be lodged with both Limerick and Clare County Council,” said Mr Greene.