Bridge collapses in Connemara village

The collapse of a bridge in the village of Leenane in Connemara caused widespread traffic diversions this evening.

The collapse of a bridge in the village of Leenane in Connemara caused widespread traffic diversions this evening.

Motorists on the main Clifden to Westport road face diversions of up to 110km.

The bridge 182-year-old was swept away in seconds at 5pm by a heavily swollen river. The village is the setting for the film The Fieldand is heavily dependent on tourism.