A workman from Co Fermanagh who died after falling into the River Clady in Gweedore in west Donegal has been named locally as Ian Smith.
The 65-year-old, who was from the Ederny area, was working on Station Bridge as part of a hydro-electric scheme when the tragedy happened shortly before 11am yesterday.
It is understood the man was employed by a Northern Ireland firm which had been erecting crash barriers and strengthening the bridge on the N56, the main road from Dunlewey to Dungloe.
The bridge covered a canal which diverted water from the River Clady as part of a hydro-electric scheme.
Working from a pontoon, the team completed one half of the project before Christmas and had just started working on the other side of the road close to Gweedore Station.
A full-scale search was launched after the alarm was raised, with members of the Sheephaven sub-aqua club being joined by local gardai, the Coastguard and the Sligo-based Rescue 118 helicopter.
It is understood the victim’s body was found approximately 200 metres from the bridge at around 2.40pm.
Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig, chairman of the Glenties municipal district councillors’ group, said the tragedy had cast a shadow over the entire west Donegal area.
“It’s awful news. I was out and about in Gweedore today and people are genuinely very sad and shocked by this news. On behalf of the municipal council group, I extend my sympathies his family.
“As well as the impact on his family and friends, this tragedy must have been shocking for his work colleagues and we must ensure they get all the support they need,” he said.
Sinn Féin West Donegal councillor John Séamais Ó Fearraigh also said the death had shocked the local community.
“Our first thoughts are obviously with this poor man’s family and the news that they are now having to deal with.”
Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton offered her sympathy to the family of the man.
Mrs Barton who knew the deceased man and lived in the same area, said:
“ He was a very quiet, unassuming and hard working man who was from a well known family in the Kesh area, who had been working with with a local contractor for a long number of years.
"Speaking with him at a function over Christmas, he was very much looking forward to the New Year and the building of the new hall at Dromard near Kesh which he had a great interest in, infact on Saturday he was involved in voluntary preparation work for this new build.
Most of all however my heartfelt sympathy goes to his immediate family of two brothers, sister - in -laws, nieces and nephews where he will be greatly missed.”
