Daredevil team sought to rebuild footbridge
The search is on for daredevil engineers to rebuild the famous Mizen Head footbridge in West Cork.
The 50 metre concrete structure links Ireland’s most southerly point to Cloghan Island and has a drop of 100 metres to the Atlantic waves below.
The footbridge was the first of its kind in the country when it was built in 1909 but its steel arches have become corroded by sea salt in recent years.
The increasing unstable structure was closed completely in 2005 but was later reopened after scaffolding supports were attached.
However the Commissioners of Irish Lights, which manage the state’s lighthouses, now wants the old footbridge demolished and a new one designed and constructed in its place.
Last year the Department of Arts Sport and Tourism gave a grant of 372,000 euro for the project which is expected to cost up to one million euro.
The footbridge currently provide access to Mizen Head Lighthouse, the Mizen Head Visitor Centre and Mizen Signal Station.
Up to 50,000 people walk across it each year.
“The successful tenderer will be required to demonstrate his experience with innovative construction techniques specifically related to bridge replacement works over water,” said a spokesman for the Commissioner of Irish Lights.
“He will be required to demonstrate his awareness of health and safety issues involved in difficult works access, working at height and working over and adjacent to water.”
The work must not disrupt water pipes and electricity and telecommunications cables.
