Replacement of Muff Glen bridge in Derry may cost £500k

That’s according to a report on the footbridge at Muff Glen in Eglinton that was presented to the March meeting of the Derry City and Strabane District Council Environment and Regeneration Committee.

“The lower bridge was seriously damaged in the August 2017 floods and Forest Service have indicated to Council Officers that they do not intend to replace the bridge,” the report compiled by the Council’s Greenways Development Officer confirmed.

The report notes that Forest Service have received complaints from members of the public about the non-replacement of the bridge.

Last August the Chief Executive of the Forest Service wrote to the Council stating: “Forest Service is keen to work with DCSDC to establish a shared view of how best to develop the facilities and to work together to deliver a sustainable recreational product.”

The Council is continuing to liase with Forest Service about access to the Muff Glen.

However, it has made it clear that it will not be able to fund a replacement bridge.

“Council officers have arranged a meeting with Forest Service to discuss access in the Forest, on the understanding that Council cannot support the project financially and is unlikely to have the resources to enter into a Licence arrangement to take on responsibility for recreational use of the site.

“Indications from schemes elsewhere indicate that the replacement costs of a bridge would be in £100k-£500k depending on the design and engineering constraints,” the report stated.