Newbridge's second bridge remains a council priority

THE CONSTRUCTION of the second Newbridge bridge has been a long-awaited project long awaited by elected members and residents alike. It has been viewed as a critical piece of infrastructure to alleviate traffic congestion in Newbridge and support the town’s continued growth, and even while it has suffered setbacks, elected officials have kept the project as a priority for the town.

Social Democrats cllr Chris Pender has called on Kildare County Council to provide an update on the long-awaited second bridge for Newbridge, raising questions about the status of the project’s business case and whether the council is prepared to move forward independently if a private developer does not proceed.

In a written response, Daragh Conlan, acting senior engineer with the projects team, confirmed that the business case is currently under review by the Department of Transport.

Feedback from the department is expected shortly and will be examined by the council’s project team as part of the process to secure funding approval.

Mr Conlan emphasised that delivering the second bridge remains a key priority within the roads capital programme. However, he noted that the council cannot progress further with the project until additional funding is confirmed.

Cllr Pender responded to the report asking for clarification on timelines associated with the project and further information to do with it moving forward, and said: “I don’t want to see this fall by the wayside.” 

A department representative responded and assured the councillor that this project is still a priority with Kildare County Council.