Translink has said the continued dismantling of the Boyne Bridge in Belfast will continue “as quickly as possible” after demolition work at the site was halted.
It has been reported that a planning issue has led to the stoppage of work to remove the bridge at Durham Street in the city centre, after the demolition process by Translink began in November.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has begun an investigation into planning concerns regarding the bridge, which was built in 1936 around a structure dating to the 1860s.
The bridge is also believed to contain the original structure of a much older bridge, which local tradition holds was crossed by King William and his troops on the way to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
The demolition is part of the development of the new nearby Grand Central Station and a new public space to be named Saltwater Square, but it has been strongly opposed by locals in the nearby Sandy Row area, and the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS).
The closure of Durham Street has also been blamed for increasing traffic congestion in Belfast.
As demolition work began, it was expected that Durham Street would be closed for up to 12 months.
The planning issue that has caused a pause in the demolition was reported by the BBC.
It emerged an investigation by the DfI into planning concerns around the work began last month.
The Nolan Show said it had seen a letter showing the probe was over alleged non-compliance with planning conditions.
The letter from Stormont’s departmental solicitor’s office is understood to have resulted from a complaint made by the UAHS through its own legal representation.
The organisation’s vice-char John Anderson said the planning conditions required were that no work was to start at the site until a viable traffic plan was in place.
A DfI spokesperson told the Irish News: “Officials have investigated the works which began on the Boyne Bridge last year and the Chief Planner wrote to Translink advising of the investigation.
“DfI officials will continue to process applications to discharge conditions relating to Grand Central Station and are engaging with Translink to discuss the steps which are necessary in order to comply with the relevant planning conditions.”
In a statement, a Translink spokesperson said: “Enabling work to facilitate the dismantlement of the bridge continues ensuring key elements of the bridge are repurposed in the new civic space Saltwater Square.
“We are working through the planned phases of work while we collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with the complex planning processes. Work to dismantle the bridge will be carried out as quickly as possible.”
The demolition work began despite a legal challenge by the UAHS last autumn.
In October, a sign appeared at the closed Durham Street’s junction with Sandy Row, with “touch this bridge beware!” daubed alongside a crosshair image.
Police removed the sign and said they were investigating it, while South Belfast DUP MLA Edwin Poots said he did not believe there was any loyalist paramilitary involvement in its appearance.
Belfast City Council has agreed to name a section of road behind the new Saltwater Square ‘Boyne Bridge Place’ in recognition of the bridge’s historical significance.
