Almost every canal bridge in west Kildare is damaged

Almost every canal bridge in the west Kildare area has been damaged as a result of “multiple collisions.”.

Impacts by vehicles has affected structures in the Robertstown and Allenwood areas including Healy’s Bridge and Cock Bridge, according to Cllr Daragh Fitzpatrick.

He said repair work is needed at a number of locations and if this does not happen there is a risk of a prolonged closure similar to what occurred at the bridge spanning the River Liffey near Caragh.

Cllr Daragh Fitzpatrick is the Kildare County Council cathaoirleach

Cllr Fitzpatrick said this incident caused considerable inconvenience.

He said more information needs to be provided for motorists before they arrive at the bridge and called on the council to carry out repair works “at the earliest possible date.”

According to Kildare County Council bridges over canals are the responsibility of Waterways Ireland and KCC works closely with Waterways Ireland if damage has been identified to a bridge “so that repairs can be scheduled by them”

It’s sometimes necessary for WI to issue a tender for the work and  to appoint a contractor so it can take some time for the repair works to be completed.

Engineer Donal Hodgins commented that the approaches to the bridges have changed.

Irish Rail and WI are to be contacted.

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