Engineer sought for bridge project

LIGHTHOUSE chiefs are continuing a search for an engineering firm prepared to rebuild a famous, century-old footbridge in west Cork.

The 50m-long concrete footbridge links the Mizen Head to the mainland.

The Commissioners of Irish Lights have twice advertised the project over the past 16 months — but have not yet selected a suitable firm.

The historic footbridge, which boasts a 45m drop to the Atlantic Ocean, was built in 1909 and has 50,000 tourists pass over it every year. However, its steel structures have become weakened in recent years and required scaffolding supports to reinforce them.

Irish Lights want the footbridge to be demolished and a replacement structure constructed in its place.

But the Dublin-based authority has been unable to find a suitable engineering firm to do the job.

It advertised the project on the Government’s e-tenders website in September 2006 and again in October 2007.

Engineers Ireland — which represents 23,000 engineers — said many firms would be qualified to undertake the project.

Director-general John Power said: “I want to respect the current process seeking expressions of interest. But I can say there are plenty of engineers in the country with the professional competence to complete this project.

“Ireland has some of the best engineers in the world. Sydney Harbour Bridge wouldn’t have been built if it wasn’t for Irish engineers.

“Every major engineering project is a logistical challenge and must be carefully managed from a quality and safety point of view and the Mizen Head footbridge is no different.”

The footbridge currently provides access to the automated Mizen Head lighthouse, the Mizen Head Visitor Centre and Mizen Signal Station.

Mizen Head is the most southerly point on the Irish mainland.

The commission aims to shortlist up to five contractors and then select the preferred candidate who will be expected to complete the project within three years.

“He will be required to demonstrate an awareness of health and safety issues in relation to difficult works access, working at height and over and adjacent to water,” it said.

In 2006, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism gave a grant of €372,000 for the project.