Life-saving nets proposed for bridges

The Mayor of Galway has called on the City Council, the HSE and suicide awareness groups to consider erecting suspended ‘netting’ on the side of two city bridges, where numerous people have taken their lives.

And the Council has said that the idea – on the side of O’Brien’s Bridge and Salmon Weir Bridge – is something that could be considered.

Mayor Padraig Conneely told the Galway City Tribune that the suspended barriers could save lives.

“It is a discussion that needs to be had, in consultation with the likes of the HSE and suicide prevention and awareness groups. If someone is determined to take their own life, this could perhaps be a deterrent.

“Even if they are stopped in their intentions for just a while, it could be enough time to save a life. If the netting saved even one life, it would be worth it.

“There would be a number of stakeholders who would have to be consulted, and I think it’s a discussion that needs to be had,” said the Mayor.

A spokesperson for the Council said: “It’s certainly something that would be considered, but the overall issue in relation to incidents of this nature requires a multi-agency approach.

“Some might be assisted by actual pieces of infrastructure, but I think there would be a more fundamental, societal approach, which would include the HSE. It is a serious issue, and it’s something that could be considered.”

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.