Delays in dismantling the Boyne Bridge in Belfast will cost £100,000 a week while work is halted, Translink said as it warned a heritage group will be pursued for damages if an eleventh hour injunction is filed.
The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society has signalled its intention to block the removal of the bridge on Durham Street, part of likely year-long road works beginning on Saturday and linked to the construction of Grand Central Station.
Lawyers for Translink have written to the foundation stating the transport company will countersue if work is delayed on “sensitively dismantling” the bridge, planning permission for which was granted five years ago.
The society, which has battled against the removal of the bridge since it was first proposed as part of the wider roadworks in 2017, said it was an architecturally and historically significant structure.
While the present bridge was built in 1936, its claimed origins reach back nearly four centuries. It is said King William of Orange rode over a bridge on the site on the way to the Battle of the Boyne.
In a letter to the charity, Translink wrote: “The construction of the transport hub known as ‘Grand Central Station’ is almost complete.
“Any delay in removing the Boyne Bridge will have significant financial implications for the project, currently estimated at approximately £100,000 per week.
“Therefore, any attempt by UAHS to seek an injunction will be met with an application for a cross undertaking in damages.”
John Anderson, vice-chair of UAHS, told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster his organisation has to challenge its dismantling.
“We have to…we are a small highly respected charity in our 57th year of operation here and to have a government sponsor and a department behind it, landing us with a threat of £100,000 a week of costs…that’s just amazing,” Mr Anderson said.
Mr Anderson added: “The construction of the deck of this bridge has hundreds and thousands of rivets. Every rivet set by two men and a boy, Harland and Wolff workers.
“The top of the bridge has an art deco design, and beautiful cast iron. It has everything that merits keeping.”
A Translink spokesperson said: “We are committed to preserving and celebrating the history and heritage of the area and continue to work closely with the local community to repurpose key elements of the bridge for significant artworks.”
The charity said the delay in issuing an injunction was because it was only clear a number of days ago work will begin.
