Mary Elmes Bridge Closed After Joyriding Incident Damages Decking
Mary Elmes Bridge closed after scissors lift joyriding damages decking. Council working to reopen vital city centre crossing used by 11,000 daily.
Cork City Council has closed the Mary Elmes Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists following damage caused by a scissors lift joyriding incident on Sunday night. The vital city centre crossing, used by at least 11,000 people daily, will remain shut until temporary safety measures can be put in place.
Several wooden decking panels on the eastern side of the bridge were damaged during the incident, which occurred on Sunday 2 November. The council moved quickly to close public access on Monday 3 November, prioritising safety over convenience.
The bridge, which connects St Patrick's Quay to Merchant's Quay, has become an essential transport link since opening in September 2019. It was specifically designed to encourage walking and cycling between the city centre and MacCurtain Street, and its closure will affect thousands of daily commuters.
Cork City Council confirmed it is working to reopen the bridge as soon as possible. Temporary risk mitigation measures are being arranged to restore access whilst a full assessment of repair costs is underway.
Access to the seating areas on the bridge will remain prohibited until damaged components can be sourced and replaced. The council has not yet provided a timeline for when full repairs will be completed.
The incident represents a significant disruption to one of Cork's key pedestrian and cycling routes. The bridge has served as a vital connection point in the city's transport network for over six years.
Cork City Council has apologised for the disruption caused by the incident and thanked the public for their patience whilst safety works are carried out.
