Progress made on second bridge for this Kildare town

Kildare County Council has reported significant progress on the Celbridge Mobility Corridor/Second Bridge project.

The update came as Cllr Rupert Heather (LAB) called for an update on the project at a recent municipal district meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Rupert Heather said he was “happy” with the council's report, “to some extent.”

There was, he said, however “a sense of cynicism” when any discussion arose in the community on the topic.

Cllr Heather said that while a certain amount of money had been ring-fenced for this project, his question was did this mean “it will be delivered this time?”

A council official, responding, noted that planning permission had been granted for the project, a CPO had been approved, funding was in place and a meeting with a consultant was due.

The process was also underway regarding land acquisition, he stated.

“All the things are moving in the right direction”, the official stated, adding that following the meeting with the consultant, the council could put together “a more detailed programme” in terms of project milestones.

There would be “a lot of work” happening in the coming months in terms of detailing out the design for the scheme and get tender documents ready, the official noted, adding the council would update councillors throughout the process.

A report stated: “The detailed design on the project is due to start this month, and the procurement of a land valuer will also be progressed. A more detailed project programme will be prepared and indicative timelines for the progression of the project will be available following this.

“Please note that quarterly updates on the project will be available going forward in the Chief Executive Report each quarter.”