Causeway Coast and Glens council debated the proposal for a new bridge in Kilrea by UUP councillor Richard Holmes and seconded by Sinn Féin councillor Sean Bateson and DUP alderman Michelle Knight-McQuillan. In the meeting on January 6th Mr Holmes stated that the bridge, although it being a picturesque historical tie, it was originally built in 1783 and was mainly for “horses, carts and cattle”.
The original bridge that has been a common sight for over 250 years has been shut at least two significant times in the last five years, one around late 2022 – early 2023 for structural issues and another starting September 2025, following extensive cracking in its retaining wall, with a temporary reopening for cars after several weeks of full closure, highlighting recurring maintenance challenges for this historic structure.
Due to the bridge being built so long ago it is not able to accommodate the heavy traffic and new vehicles, for example on the first day of when the bridge finally opened after weeks of being closed in December 2025 a lorry got stuck and blocked the bridge. I asked Mr Stephen Slaine from the local chemist, McCloy’s, if he thought it was necessary and how would it impact him and the pharmacy.
He shared that “it needs long term investment for this part of Northern Ireland”. I also asked a few local people throughout Kilrea and the general view was in support of a new bridge to increase traffic into their town. Many of the local people suggested that a new bridge would help maintain social ties between Kilrea and Rasharkin, a local village on the other side of the river Bann. Some people who live on the other side of the river find it difficult and stressful to get to work and other commitments based on the opposing side when the bridge was closed.
The Kilrea Bann bridge has been in use since 1783 which makes it the oldest still in use bridge over the river Bann. The local community are very proud of their historical stone bridge and want to preserve it, which would be aided by a second bridge to take the pressure off this single laned, vital route. Councillor Holmes thanked the bridge as “It has served the people of the area well for almost 250 years and is part of the picturesque lower Bann waterway. But in the 21st century we believe it is time to add a new bridge to increase traffic flow and meet the demands of a modern transport infrastructure”.
Student Journalist at UUC