to the north – which, in turn, connects via a causeway to the mainland. This road bridge, Belvelly Bridge, was built in 1803 at one of the narrowest points in the channels around Great Island. More than 200 years old, it is the only road bridge to the island. A railway bridge and rail line also runs out through Fota Island to Great Island. Railway stations on Great Island include Carrigaloe station and Rushbrooke station, and the terminus at Cobh. A ferry service also connects the island (from a point near Carrigaloe) to the mainland (at a point near Passage West). During regional windstorms in 2017 (including Storm Ophelia), downed trees and high winds resulted in the closure of the only road bridge to Great Island. Ferry and rail services were cancelled, leaving 12,000 residents stranded on the island. This led to some calls for a review of emergency access provisions and plans for the island. Land use and economy In the 19th century Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (published by Samuel Lewis in 1837), Great Island is described as "very fertile" with its "light productive soil" supporting agricultural uses with "two-thirds [of the island] under tillage, and the remainder in pasture or included in demesnes". Lewis describes the island's location, environment and climate as factors "induc[ing] many genteel families to settle here". As of the 21st century, land use on Great Island remains primarily agricultural and residential in nature. The island has a population of between 12,000 and 14,000. While some of this population work on the island, as of the early 21st century, an increasing percentage of the island's residents commute to Cork city for work, traveling by car, Cork Commuter Rail, and bus services to the city. Residential developments are concentrated mainly around Cobh, with other populated townlands and settlements on the island including Ballymore, Ballynoe, and Belvelly. Prior to the 21st century, land use included industrial zones, such as the former Irish Fertilizer Industries plant at Marino Point, and the Verolme Cork Dockyard at Rushbrooke. The latter was long the site of construction of vessels for the Irish Naval Service, such as the LÉ Eithne. Many of these heavy industries have since closed. Some smaller boatbuilding companies are still based at Cobh. Tourism is now important to the island economy. As of 2017, Great Island was the location of the only berth in the Republic of Ireland