MALAHIDE ESTUARY, DUBLIN - Howth Coast Guard were tasked by MRCC to investigate the rail bridge collapse over Malahide estuary. Having collapsed earlier in the evening, Irish Rail requested Irish Coast Guard advice on water safety in the estuary and if any danger to the public. A group from the Howth Coast Guard were briefed on progress by the Irish Rail Incident Manager on scene and then walked down the tracks to the damage.
As the main flow had been significantly blocked by the collapsed structure, concern had been raised about the next high-tide and how it may affect the safety of workers on the bridge, boats moored down-current of the incident, and leisure users of Malahide estuary in the morning. There was thought to be no immediate concern, although with strong tidal currents now channelled even tighter, the area should be considered very dangerous if approached from the water.
Howth Coast Guard are advising against sailing and water based activities in the area of the bridge at this time.
Good photo of the damage by ‘catb’.
Also See RTE News.
(Image above taken from RTE 9 O’Clock News broadcast this evening)
Incident 44/09
