Kildare politicians react to new plans for second bridge in Newbridge

Local politicians have welcomed plans by a private developer to build a long-awaited second bridge over the Liffey in Newbridge.

Construction company Aston Limited has formally lodged a planning application for the key public infrastructure in the Great Connell / Kilbelin area of the town.

It was estimated by Council officials in October that a second bridge - which would dramatically ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity - could cost more than €6m to build.

Local TD and Minister of State Martin Heydon said: "Given the outcome of previous unsuccessful council applications for the bridge, a change of approach was needed to bring the project to a shovel ready stage.

"I am satisfied that the process underway now is the best way to progress this project as quickly as possible," he added.

The proposed development by Aston Limited would also consist of the provision of approximately 790 metres of a new Distributor Road, which would form part of the Newbridge South Outer Orbital Road (NSOOR).

The proposed development was also welcomed by Independent TD Dr Cathal Berry, who said: "Traffic in Newbridge has got consistently worse over time and we have been advocating for a second crossing over the Liffey for years now.

"In the absence of a state construction company, a project of this scale can only realistically be constructed by a private developer."

When asked about the development, Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender said: "I am always reluctant to accept developer-led infrastructure, but having said that, if it wasn’t for them (the developers), the project may not be happening.

"It is excellent to see progress, but I would urge locals to be aware of the application and submit feedback to the council about the development."

He further said that he recognised that it was a 'once-in-a-generation' development, and said that he hopes to obtain a physical copy of the planning application from KCC soon.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey also told the Leader that he has faith in the developers.

He added: "Someone has to do it, and I hope it is them."

Cllr Heavey also made reference to a Strategic Housing Development (SHD) proposed at Great Connell, also by Aston Ltd, saying: "If there was no bridge proposed alongside the SHD (given the increase in population), it would be a disaster."

"I would hope to be driving on the new bridge before 2024," he said.

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'IT MAKES SENSE'

His colleague, Senator Fiona O' Loughlin, also said: "Public private partnerships are a good way of achieving necessary infrastructure; the pedestrian bridge beside the railway station is another such project.

"It makes sense that there would be a mechanism such as this that can deliver a benefit to the whole town, whilst also unlocking development potential for zoned land."

FG Cllr Peggy O' Dwyer also welcomed the news when asked about the announcement by the Leader.

She said: "The second bridge in Newbridge is a piece of infrastructure that is necessary to link this economic corridor towards an orbital route around Newbridge.

"The application has a range of different elements with the importance of environment protection as part of the application."

Cllr O' Dwyer added: "It's the start of a process, and I will await the decision of the application as I am sure the people will Newbridge will to."