SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has said the structural damage now confirmed at the Cassey Water Bridge outside Kilkeel is a result of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) failing to act on warnings.

He questioned the department’s failure to engage with the relevant landowner when issues were first raised.

In January, Mr McGrath raised concerns about a large hole in a weir directly beneath the historic 200-year-old bridge. At the time, DfI claimed the weir was not part of their maintained structure and likely belonged to the riparian landowner.

They further asserted that the weir had no impact on the bridge’s structural integrity, a claim now proven wrong, with half the weir having washed away and the integrity of the bridge compromised.

South Down MLA Mr McGrath said:

“We raised the alarm last year when serious damage was becoming visible beneath the Cassey Water Bridge. Rather than treat this as a shared responsibility, the department dismissed the risk, said the weir wasn't theirs, and left it at that. But when damage beneath a bridge threatens its structure, no matter who technically owns it, surely DfI has a duty of care to engage with landowners and take protective action.

“They also assured us that routine inspections would continue. As far as I can tell, there was only one. That is not proper oversight. It is neglect.”

"The Cassey Water Bridge remains a vital route into Kilkeel. Its closure or failure would result in massive disruption for residents, businesses and HGV traffic.

“I’ve now received confirmation that urgent repair works will be carried out. While this is currently happening, the wider issue is the department’s complacency. The Minister must now take these matters more seriously, ensure robust inspection protocols and work constructively with landowners where risks arise. Ignoring concerns only invites disaster.”