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Displaying items by tag: New Lagan Bridge

#NewLaganBridge - A new bridge across the River Lagan in Belfast reports UTV News has been opened by Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey MLA. 

Connecting Donegall Quay with Queen's Quay the new Lagan Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge replaces the old footbridge and represents a £5m investment in the city from the department.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Storey said, "I am delighted to officially open the new Lagan Weir pedestrian and cycle bridge.

"This magnificent bridge considerably improves the connection from Belfast city centre to Queen's Quay, and showcases the potential for development in this area."
With 16,000 people crossing the old footbridge each week, it is anticipated that the new Bridge will be well utilised, offering access - for the first time - to both pedestrians and cyclists.

The Minister added: "My department is committed to implementing the Queen's Quay Masterplan and this is the first stage in that process.

"The Queen's Quay Masterplan sets out an exciting vision of the development potential of this area, and the creation of this new bridge will improve the links between the city centre and Queen's Quay, as well as the Titanic Quarter."

The new bridge, which is approximately eight metres across at its widest point, was constructed by Graham Construction and has been completed in time for the Tall Ships 2015 event

Afloat.adds this is the third time Belfast City has hosted the Tall Ships Race where more than 50 tall ships will be visiitng the harbour for a four-day festival beginning tomorrow, Thursday (2 July).

For more on this new bridge spanning the Lagan, click here.

Published in Belfast Lough

Every Year Ireland's Search & Rescue Services deliver emergency life saving work on our seas, lakes and rivers.

Ireland's Water Safety Agencies work hard to provide us with the information we need to keep safe, while enjoying all manner of water based activities.

There's no better fun than getting out on the water but being afloat is a responsibility we all need to take seriously.

These pages detail the work of the rescue agencies. We also aim to promote safety standards among pleasure boaters, and by doing so, prevent, as far as possible, the loss of life at sea and on inland waters. If you have ideas for our pages we'd love to hear from you. Please email us at [email protected]

Think Before You Sink - Wear a Lifejacket

Accidents can happen fast on water and there may not be time to reach for a lifejacket in an emergency therefore don't just carry a lifejacket - wear it; if it's not on you, it can't save your life.

Irish Water Safety's Safe Boating Alert:

Check condition of boat and equipment, hull, engine, fuel, tools, torch.

Check the weather forecast for the area.

Check locally concerning dangerous currents and strong tides.

Do not drink alcohol while setting out or during your trip.

Carry an alternative means of propulsion e.g. sails and oars or motor and oars.

Carry a first aid kit on board and distress signals (at least two parachute distress rockets, two red hand flares).

Carry a fire extinguisher, a hand bailer or bucket with lanyard and an anchor with rope attached.

Carry marine radio or some means of communication with shore.

Do not overload the boat - this will make it unstable.

Do not set out unless accompanied by an experienced person.

Leave details of your planned trip with someone ashore - including departure and arrival times, description of boat, names of persons on board, etc.

Wear a Lifejacket at all times.

Keep an eye on the weather - seek shelter in good time.

In Marine Emergencies, call 999 or 112 and ask for Marine Rescue.

Lifejackets Checklist

Ensure Cartridges have not been punctured and are secured firmly.

Ensure all zips, buckles, fasteners and webbing straps are functioning correctly and adjusted to fit the user.

Check that fitted lights are operating correctly.

Ensure that Automatic Inflation devices are fully serviced and in date.

Check that the valve or lifejacket is not leaking.