New bridge to be named after the ‘Bogman’?

It’s anyone’s guess as to what name will be given to Cork’s newest bridge, with Leeside’s mysterious 'Charlie the Bogman' in strong contention.

The 63 metre pedestrian/cycle bridge was airlifted into place last month and connects Grange to Tramore Valley Park over the South Ring Road. In the lead-up to its installation, Cork City Council asked for the public’s help in naming the new bridge, calling for suggestions which honour, celebrate, or remember a person, group or events that have helped to shape the city of Cork.

Last month, Independent Cllr for Cork South-Central, Paudie Dineen, launched a social media campaign to have the new bridge named after Charles Coleman, AKA Charlie the Bogman, a curious Leeside figure who was known to live outdoors near the former Kinsale Road landfill.

Cllr Dineen wrote on Facebook: “I am of an era that remembers Charlie the Bogman. I want to put forward an application to name the new bridge Charlie’s Bridge in his memory.”

The bridge is situated midway between the Kinsale Road interchange and the first ramp to Douglas along the N40.

The overall project is expected to be completed this autumn and at that point, the bridge and pathway will be available for use by the public.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Deirdre Forde, said: “It will be fantastic to see Cork’s newest bridge in place. It means we are moving a step closer to the completion of a project that will mean people can walk or cycle for leisure, work, or to get to school or college from Grange/Frankfield to Tramore Valley Park, Douglas and on into the city centre”

The closing date for submissions was Friday 28 April. The new bridge’s official name is set to be announced in the coming months.