Grand Canal in Kildare to get two new bridges 

Kildare County Council is planning to increase access on the Grand Canal Greenway by building two new pedestrian bridges on the stretch between Sallins and Lowtown.

This was revealed when they advertised the issuing of a Part VIII application – the legal device by which a local authority seeks planning permission from itself.

The proposal is for the provision of two additional bridges on Phase 2 of the Grand Canal Greenway, one is located in Lowtown, and the second is located just east of the existing Healy’s Bridge, also known as Bonynge Bridge.

From the Offaly border, approximately 10kms west of Lowtwn, pedestrians and cyclists travel on the north side of the canal.

At the first new pedestrian bridge in Lowtown, they will cross over the Grand Canal to the south side, and then continue on the upgraded towpath towards Healy’s Bridge, halfway between Robertstown and Prosperous.

They will travel underneath the existing Healy’s Bridge on the south side of the canal and cross over the second new pedestrian bridge to the north side, before carrying on to Sallins.

The new pedestrian bridge at Lowtown also enables users to access the Barrow Blueway route which heads south all the way to St Mullins in Carlow.

These additional bridges allow for safer access for users of the Greenway by avoiding the crossing of and travelling along dangerous sections of the public road.

The proposal has undergone Appropriate Assessment Screening under the Habitats Directive, and the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

The proposal has also undergone screening for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), however the County Council has determined that there is “no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development”, and that an EIA is not required.

Anyone disagreeing with this assessment has until 10 September to apply to An Bord Pleanála for a determination.