DUP team visit community impacted by Kilrea Bridge closure as calls grow for action and support

DUP representatives (L-R) East Londonderry MLA Maurice Bradley, North Antrim MLA Paul Frew, and Councillor for Bann, Michelle Knight-McQuillan during a visit to Kilrea Bridge

DUP MLAs Paul Frew and Maurice Bradley, joined by Cllr Michelle Knight-McQuillan, have visited the site of the Kilrea Bridge over the River Bann to meet residents and discuss the latest update from DfI Roads amid continuing disruption caused by the closure.

The representatives met with local people from both sides of the river, who described the severe difficulties the closure has created for families, farmers, and businesses in the area.

Mr Frew said:

“We heard from a number of residents from North Antrim and East Londonderry who have been impacted greatly by this closure, and it was amazing to see so many people walk over the bridge to get back home — having got a taxi to the site or to reach a parked car.

“Farmers with land parcels on both sides of the river have found it virtually impossible to maintain and look after their lands in the way they usually do.”

Closed: Kilrea Bridge - a vital connection for communities on both sides of the River Bann

Mr Bradley added that DfI Roads had completed geotechnical investigations and initial site clearance.

“The results of these investigations, along with a detailed survey of the area of concern, have been issued to the contractor, who will now progress detailed proposals to stabilise the retaining wall,” he said.

“DfI Roads expect to receive proposals — including a timeline of works, which is vitally important — by 24 October.”

Cllr Knight-McQuillan said she had been reassured that the issue lies with the approach to the bridge rather than the bridge structure itself.

“Although it is inconvenient and frustrating for many users, it is important that the correct measures are taken to reopen the bridge safely,” she said.

“I will be seeking regular updates on progress from DfI.”

Background: Bridge closure causing widespread disruption

Kilrea Bridge

The Kilrea Bridge was closed in late September after the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) identified structural stability concerns with a retaining wall on the approach to the bridge.

The closure has cut a key link between the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid Ulster areas, forcing long detours for commuters, school transport, and emergency services.

At the October meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Sinn Féin councillor Sean Bateson warned that the closure was having a “massive impact” on residents and local businesses.

“Obviously it had to be closed because of safety concerns around the bridge itself,” he said, “but the longer this goes on, the bigger the impact is going to have locally.”

A DfI spokesperson told councillors that the department was working “at pace” to deliver a temporary solution and had deployed specialist contractors to assess potential stabilisation measures.

“Our aim is to try and get the bridge open as quickly as we can,” they said.

“This is probably going to be a temporary measure, but our staff are working hard to find a solution, because we do realise there’s a big impact on the local community, particularly in Kilrea.”

The River Bann viewed from the closed Kilrea bridge.

DfI said the temporary fix could involve tie bars across the road to stabilise the retaining wall, buying time for a permanent repair.

The department expects to provide further details — and launch a dedicated online information page for residents — in the coming weeks.

Council to seek compensation

UUP councillor Richard Holmes criticised DfI’s communication around the closure as “poor” and said the uncertainty was “decimating businesses”.

“One business I spoke to said they would normally have 50 or 60 people through the door by lunchtime — they hadn’t even had ten that day,” he said. “Another business has seen turnover down by 60 percent. Businesses in a small town will not survive that.”

Causeway Coast & Glens Council members agreed to write to the Infrastructure Minister to request clarity on the timeline for repairs and explore potential compensation for affected businesses.