Better Safety Measures For Belfast Footbridge

CCTV footage, a hotline and a public tannoy system may be set up at a Belfast footbridge were a young man fell to his death.

Twenty-year-old Joby Murphy fell into the River Lagan following a night out in January this year.

An investigation into the amount of life saving equipment at the area has concluded that current life-saving equipment at either side of the bridge is sufficient.

Commissioned by the Department for Social Development the report has ruled out closing the bridge. Investigators said it posed the least risk of deliberate entry into the water when compared to other bridges in the area.

But is admitted that the bridge would benefit from enhanced CCTV footage especially if the footage is linked to a police control centre. Meanwhile other preventative measures include more training for staff and a tannoy system to quickly alert the emergency services.

The report into safety of the footbridge was supposed to be completed by the end of the year but was brought forward following the death or Mr Murphy.

The young man’s death has also raised criticism about drink promotions and helped fuel a move to reduce the amount of ‘irresponsible’ drink offers available to young people.

(LB/GK)