Caragh - the Deserted Village as bridge closure impacts on local business

Caragh business owners are voicing serious concerns as the impact of Caragh Bridge closure hits home. The once busy drive-through hub is now a traffic-free zone and for local shops, Caragh has become the ‘Deserted Village’. Micheal Walsh, manager of Jordan’s Centra reports staff hours have been cut since the bridge was closed on August 22nd. He said: “Passing trade is seriously down and footfall even more so. Our deli counter was busy all day serving passing motorists, builders and lorry drivers”. Hairdresser Avril Meagher of Essential Hair Studio is equally devastated at the fall off in trade:  “It’s horrendous; two ladies who travel a good distance to me got lost on the diverted route and ended up in Newbridge. There was hardly three cars on the main street last week!” Cllr Robert Power has warned the bridge is not likely to be re-opened until December and the alternative route via Victoria Bridge and the Railway Bridge have dangerous junctions which have already seen minor accidents.