Mystery surrounds damage to historic gate
A historic 18th century monumental gateway in Lawrencetown has been closed off – after a mystery vehicle damaged the top of the archway.
Known as ‘Volunteer’s Gate’ – and to locals as ‘the New Gate’ – it marked the entrance to the road connecting Kiltormer to Lawrencetown. which is now closed by Galway County Council as a result of the structure being destabilised.
Three of the key stones on the top arch have been knocked out and are lying on the ground next to the gate. The incident was reported to local Council staff on last Monday week.
An engineer with the Council explained that they had no option but to close the road for the safety of all users.
They have appointed specialist contractor Mathieu & Mitchell to carry out the repair and engineering consultants OCSC to design the “temporary propping system”.
“As the gate is a protected structure, we require ministerial consent to carry out the repairs and have prepared the application for this. A method statement from the contractor is required with the application and I am waiting for this to be submitted,” he revealed.
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