Kildare railway bridges becoming 'bottlenecks'

KILDARE-NEWBRIDGE elected representatives have agreed to write to Iarnród Éireann to encourage it to include the redevelopment Newbridge railway bridges in its program of works.

Cllr Tom McDonnell put in a motion asking to widen approach roads at Sexes Railway Bridge, Rickardstown and Morristown Railway Bridge at the Lakeside and Watercress Manor estates due to the areas being described as a “bottlenecks.” In a report responding to the motion, the council confirmed that the Newbridge Area Based Transport Assessment has highlighted the need to upgrade the bridges. The works would also include improvements to the associated approach roads.

According to the council, projects of this scale are typically delivered within a three- to five-year timeframe, subject to funding availability. At present, no funding has been earmarked for the works in the Capital Programme, but the executive said it will continue to engage with Iarnród Éireann with a view to progressing both projects in the medium term.

The report, issued by senior engineer Mr Donal Hodgins, noted that extensive engagement will be required with Iarnród Éireann, which owns both bridge structures, as well as with landowners on either side of the bridges.

A consulting engineer would also need to be appointed to oversee optioneering, design and the necessary planning and consenting processes. The acquisition of third-party lands would also be required to deliver the scheme.

Separately, cllrs were told that there are currently no plans to impose weight restrictions on local rail bridges in the Newbridge area.

Responding to a motion by cllr Noel Heavey, the council said it has held initial discussions with Iarnród Éireann regarding the upgrading of several bridges to improve facilities for walking and cycling. However, Iarnród Éireann, which is responsible for the structural assessment of its bridges, has not identified any load-carrying capacity issues that would warrant the introduction of weight restrictions.

The report, issued by, Daragh Conlan, acting senior engineer with the council’s projects team, reiterated that Morristown and Sexes bridges have been identified for upgrade under the Newbridge Area Based Transport Assessment. Engagement with Iarnród Éireann on these proposed improvements is expected to continue into 2026.

Cllr McDonnell insisted that a meeting between cllrs and Iarnród Éireann needs to happen to “get something moving” on the situation.

Many cllrs were in agreement with the motions, with cllr Chris Pender noting that they should look to write to the Transport Minister as well as Iarnród Éireann themselves, to put pressure on the Department to provide funding for the redevelopment of the bridges.

Cllr Suzanne Doyle also offered that the construction of temporary bailey bridges might be the answer to the problem in the short term.