Too late to take enforcement action against suspected unauthorised Kildare bridge
Corbally Canal
Questions about alleged bridge construction along the Corbally Canal were met with a council response that no further bridge works are known to be under way and that a previously complained-about structure had actually been in place for more than 20 years.
At the most recent full meeting of Kildare County Council, Naas councillor Seamie Moore asked the local authority to publish the results of a study on whether the canal could be reopened to boats, and to explain why additional bridges have been allowed to be built across the canal.
Director of services Alan Dunney issued the council’s response, which said that the study has been published and is available on the council’s website.
The feasibility study was published in February and outlined that the Corbally Canal and Liffey Corridor can be developed into a recreational, heritage and tourism amenity, with improved walking and cycling routes, habitat restoration and the conservation and enhancement of Corbally Canal and Harbour, subject to detailed design.
Regarding a bridge near Mooney’s Bridge, the council said it investigated a complaint in 2020 about what was believed to be a new unauthorised bridge.
However, the investigation found that the bridge had been there for more than 20 years. Because such a length of time had passed, the council was legally prevented from taking enforcement action against it.
The council also said it is not aware of any other bridge construction currently taking place across the Corbally Canal.
Cllr Moore told the meeting that he was happy with the report.
