The new pedestrian bridge at Mizen Head, Co Cork, has won the Irish Concrete Society’s overall award for the contractors, Enco Marine & Civil Engineering. With a span of 50m, it replaced the original bridge which dated from 1909.

Designed by RPS Consulting Engineers, the project involved the phased demolition of the old bridge and the construction of the new reinforced concrete “through-arch” structure spanning a gorge 43m above sea level.

The project was “carried out in very challenging and demanding environment conditions, both geographically and weather-wise”, according to Murt Coleman, of Enco Marine (formerly IrishEnco). Access was particularly difficult due to the topography, and modern machinery couldn’t be used on site. Engineers Ireland has described the project as an “extraordinary achievement”, delivered on time and within budget.

Cork Co Council, the Commissioners of Irish Lights and Fáilte Ireland, met 80 per cent of the €1.8 million budget.