Call for Kildangan bridge safety works to begin

An update on safety works for Kildangan bridge was given at this month’s Athy District meeting which was held on Monday, February 18.

Members heard that the works licence, to allow the work to begin, was prepared by CIE and is currently with the council’s insurance providers for consideration. 

Members urged the council to fast track the  €450,000 upgrade works for Kildangan due to health and safety issues with the bridge.  

"This is highly dangerous and not fit for purpose," said Cllr Martin Miley. "We need to do more here - this is an example of the big guns moving slowly even though the funding is there."

Cllr Thomas Redmond said it was a "very serious situation" and the bridge is very dangerous to pedestrians in its current state. He said that there are lorries, HGVs and farming machinery all crossing the bridge alongside pedestrians.

The meeting heard that the roads department expects that a tender will be issued this spring subject to the requirements of the works licence being agreed with CIE.