THE are calls for the new bridge planned as part of the Enniskillen Bypass project to be re-designed to reflect and complement its stunning lakeland surroundings.
A group of concerned local citizens have urged the powers-that-be to rethink the current “standard, off-the-shelf” design of the crossing at the start of the planned bypass on the A4.
In a letter to the Council, due to be delivered at the July meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh Council, the residents noted the current plans for the bridge “meets the needs of traffic crossing” but noted it was lacking in aesthetics.
The residents – Frank Britton, Richard Pierce, Dr Aideen McGinley, Joanna McVey, Ernie Fisher, and Tom Brewster – instead called for the design of the bridge “to reflect the importance and sensitivity of its location.”
They pointed to the likes of the Peace Bridge in Derry, the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin, and the Boyne Valley Bridge as examples of better design.
Noting the bridge would be at the entrance of Enniskillen town, and was on an important location over the Erne, they noted it would be fully visible from the historic Ardhowen Theatre, and was adjacent to the stunning National Trust property Castle Coole.
“Given its pivotal location the bridge will be viewed as part of the gateway to the town of Enniskillen,” wrote the residents. “It will be seen as an integral part of the Enniskillen environment.
“It should signal by its design that Enniskillen, noted for its distinctive island town layout is up ahead.
“The bridge on the Dublin Road can complement the town of which it will be a part.”
The residents called for the new bridge to “acknowledge that it is at the centre of the Fermanagh lakelands and astride the Erne Waterway, a premier waterway on the island of Ireland,” noting a high volume of river craft would be passing directly under the bridge.
“A distinctive bridge will show its awareness of the importance of the waterways and add to the tourism experience,” they said.
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