In conjunction with SMART’s desire to upgrade St. Moling’s Pilgrim’s Way, the students also undertook the design of three oak footbridges to facilitate access for all.
Full Planning Permission was granted for the bridges in 2010. An Appropriate Assessment for the site was approved by the Dept. Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht in 2014. This was necessary because the Pilgrim’s Way is in a Special Area of Conservation and within the curtilage of a National Monument, St. Moling’s Well.
A Conservation and Management Plan for the erection of the bridges was funded by the Heritage Council and published in 2015. These reports are essential, as the site is so archaeologically sensitive. These premium quality oak bridges with stainless steel fittings will be erected when funding becomes available.