Cobh ‘could be cut off’ if bridge hit

Up to 14,000 people could be in danger of being cut off if gale force winds and flooding were to damage the only bridge leading into a town in Co Cork.

As flooding hit the city and parts of the county yesterday it was feared that Great Island and the town of Cobh could be isolated if storms did significant damage to the ageing Belvelly bridge, which is on the only road route into the area.

Last Thursday floods partially cut off the main road into Cobh south of the bridge. Gardaí said the bridge was nearly cut off again yesterday and have admitted that if it was to be significantly damaged it would cause a lot of difficulty for those who live and work on Great Island.