Bridge in Foaty

Six-span bridge carrying Cork/Cobh railway track over Slatty Water inlet, built 1882, comprising red brick end piers and intermediate pairs of concrete columns supporting cast-iron parabolic-arched trusses, three to each span.

Well-executed cast-iron bridge designed by Kennett Bayley to replace earlier structure, it is a good example of the pioneering spirit of nineteenth century engineering. Though the Cobh line was opened in 1862, there were delays in bridge building as the Admiralty objected on the basis that bridges in the harbour would affect navigation. This bridge was approved by the Harbour Commissioners in 1879. It is one of a group of Bayley designed railway bridges traversing Cork Harbour and adds significantly to the civil engineering heritage of the area.