Concerns raised over collisions and strikes on Kildare bridge

A number of repeated collisions and strikes on a County Kildare bridge were highlighted at a recent Kildare County Council (KCC) meeting.

The issue was brought to KCC's attention by Labour Party councillor Mark Leigh at the latest Athy Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Monday, January 19 last.

At this meeting, he motioned for KCC to implement traffic calming measures at Kilkea Bridge "due to its narrow, historic structure and repeated collisions / bridge strikes".

His motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Veralouise Behan.

In response, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "The Bridge Remediation Team are happy to meet onsite with the Elected Member to review this case and determine the most appropriate next steps in this case."

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Speaking further on his motion, Cllr Leigh once again emphasised that the bridge was "narrow" and that visibility was also an issue on parts of the bridge.

He further said that he welcomed the response contained in the report, in particular "the engineer's willingness to meet onsite".

In addition, Cllr Leigh told KCC that while he understands that Kilkea Bridge is historically and culturally significant to the MD, he still maintained that KCC should examine it, with the aim of improving any weaknesses and issues present on / in the bridge.

Cllr Behan also suggested: "Perhaps some garda vans could be implemented there? A speeding van every now and again would be a good deterrent [against inappropriate or reckless driver behaviour]."

The Mayor of the MD, Fine Gael Cllr Ivan Keatley, said that he also welcomed this suggestion.

He also jokingly told Cllr Behan: "I'm sure the people of Kilkea will thank you for that!"

Labour Party Cllr Mark Leigh. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie

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