One of Galway City’s best-known river crossings is heading for a major refresh, with Galway City Council assessing contractor proposals for refurbishment work on the Salmon Weir Bridge.
The bridge, built in 1818, is the oldest bridge still standing over the River Corrib. Designed in an era of foot traffic, horses, and carts, it now carries modern daily use and remains a popular landmark for residents and visitors. An adjoining pedestrian footbridge was added in 2023.
The planned works are expected to total about €2.5 million before VAT. The council’s scope includes specialist stone cleaning and masonry repairs, along with footpath reconstruction and road resurfacing. Plans also call for refurbishment of parapets, replacement heritage lighting, and work on the existing watermain attached to the bridge.
For mason contractors and restoration crews, the Salmon Weir Bridge project is a clear reminder that historic structures need both conservation care and practical upgrades. Stone cleaning and masonry repairs are listed right alongside roadway and utility work, which is typical on high-visibility public infrastructure where durability, safety, and appearance all matter.
Galway West TD John Connolly said concerns about the bridge’s condition have been raised repeatedly in recent years, including after a lamp pole on top of the bridge collapsed. He welcomed the emphasis on conservation and restoration, calling the project an investment in preserving the bridge’s character while keeping it safe and functional for years to come.
Read the full, original article from Galway Bay FM here.