Iconic Shaky Bridge in need of some TLC

There have been calls for urgent action to improve the condition of Cork’s landmark Daly’s Bridge — known to generations as the Shaky Bridge.

The issue was raised by Cllr Joe O’Callaghan at Monday’s meeting of Cork City Council, who said he had concerns after seeing extensive corrosion on the bridge’s lattice work.

“It is an iconic structure. It’s our equivalent of the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin and that bridge has a remarkable place in the hearts of Dubs,” he said.

“I would plead with the city manager to lavish love and attention on it.”

However, a report from officials said following an inspection last year — as part of a major bridge survey — funding was secured to carry out works on a number of bridges which were found to be in the worst condition.

But Daly’s Bridge did not fall into this category, the report said.

It said: “The inspection report on Daly’s Bridge highlighted that there is corrosion to the steel latticework and that repairing is required.”

The report said city officials will continue to seek funding from the Department of Transport to find remedial works, and further inspections will be carried out to address any issues that may arise.

Daly’s Bridge was built in 1927, to a design by former Cork City architect Stephen Farrington, by a London-based suspension bridge company.

Its construction was funded by butter merchant John Daly, who was asked to provide money to help build a bridge to facilitate increased pedestrian traffic coming from the Sunday’s Well area of the city to attend rugby matches at the Mardyke.