Road closure in place at site of Louth bridge damaged in car crash

Gardai confirmed that they are investigating the collision and that no injuries were reported.

Extensive damage, however, was caused to the bridge which dates back to the mid-19th century.

A watermains pipe running alongside the bridge was burst by the force of the collision and it's understood that a number of nearby houses are without water as a result.

Local Fine Gael councillor John Reilly is calling on Louth County Council to ensure that repairs carried out to the bridge are in keeping with its character.

"This is a very old bridge which is called St John's Bridge although it would be known as Toberona Bridge and it is on what would have been one of the main entrance routes into Dundalk in bygone days."

He recalled that the road was closed for a period of around three months when major repairs were carried out to the bridge about ten or twelve years ago.

"Hopefully it won't be closed too long this time but repairing the burst water main is going to be tricky as it runs alongside the parapet of the bridge."

Louth County Council hasn't responded to a request by The Argus for information as to when repairs will be carried out on the bridge and watermains.