Galloon Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Galloon Bridge carries an access road across a branch of Upper Lough Erne to the island of the same name. It comprises four reinforced concrete horizontal spans, all cast in situ. The height of the spans is such that the river is navigable to small boats.

The slab deck rests on four reinforced concrete girders, the ends of which are supported on concrete abutments or solid concrete piers. The latter are secured to the riverbed by cylindrical concrete columns at their up- and downstream ends. There are angled cutwaters on the end faces of the piers.

The parapets are of concrete, with recessed rectangular panels to both faces. The actual carriageway measures 3.70m wide and the parapets are 1.30m high.

A water pipe is carried across its north face.

Along each side of the approaches is a four-bar galvanised metal railing on pre-cast concrete posts.
There is access to a path at river level on both East and West sides via concrete steps.

A skim coat has been applied to all surfaces as part of bridge strengthening works in 2021.
In December 2000 the road was brought up to deck level by means of a ramped masonry-revetted causeway at each end. By 2025 the ramps have been resurfaced in tarmac.

Historical information

In 1927, Fermanagh County Council sanctioned the construction of this link bridge to Galloon Island. It was demanded by the islanders due to the imposition of the border which curtailed access to Belturbet, the commercial centre for this locality, and the need for improved access to Newtownbutler, on the Northern Ireland side. The Council persuaded the Government to fund its £4000 estimated cost; the County Council would fund the access roads.

In 1928, a tender for £5895.19s.0d was accepted by the Council from Mr Faris, a Belfast contractor. James McManus successfully tendered £935 for the roads in 1930.

Work began in early 1929 but was not completed until 1931 owing to delays occasioned by flooding.

In 2021 bridge strengthening works were carried out, and a skim coat was applied to all surfaces.

Primary sources:
1. Fermanagh County Council Minutes (PRONI LA4/2GG/3).
2. Survey report by F.W. Hamond, dated 5 Oct 1993 (in EHS files).

Secondary Sources:
1. https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/newtownbutlers-galloon-bridge-receive-325000-21404883
2. https://www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/ps325000-bridge-strengthening-upgrade-scheme-galloon-bridge-newtownbutler

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
F. Structural System
H-. Alterations detracting from building
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

S. Authenticity
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
X. Local Interest

Evaluation

Galloon Bridge carries a narrow carriageway across a branch of Upper Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh to the island of the same name. Completed in 1931, it is of utilitarian design and comprises four reinforced concrete horizontal spans, all cast in situ. The lakeland setting is of particular note and the bridge can be viewed from several vantage points from the shores of the lough.
Socially and economically the bridge is of importance as it was built to link Galloon Island to nearby towns, such as Belturbet in the Republic of Ireland and Newtownbutler on the Northern Ireland side. In 2021 bridge strengthening works were carried out and this was reported in the media.
This bridge is a good example of the type of concrete bridge being erected in Northern Ireland in the 1920s and ‘30s. It is of similar style, construction and age as those at each end of Boa Island on Lower Lough Erne (HB12/13/038 Inishkeeragh Bridge and HB12/13/039 Portinode Bridge) and is of local interest.