Kildare bridge boardwalks users ‘could end up losing a tooth’
The comments were made by a councillor aligned with the Social Democrats
A councillor for the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District has warned that bridge users could lose a tooth while traversing it.
The comments were made by Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender at the latest Municipal District meeting on Wednesday, September 17 last.
His views related to a motion which was submitted by Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer, who motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to "consider progressing a scheme" to upgrade the boardwalks on St Conleth's Bridge in Newbridge.
TRIP HAZARDS
Cllr Pender voiced his support for the motion, adding: "People have tripped on holes on the boardwalks... in the future, someone may end up falling and losing a tooth."
He also pointed out that a large number of children use the boardwalks in order to get to nearby schools.
Cllr O'Dwyer also remarked that the boardwalks are "uncomfortable" to walk on.
URGENCY
Both Cllr Pender and Cllr O'Dwyer urged KCC to prioritise the repairs to the boardwalks.
In response, a KCC representative at the meeting asserted that these repairs are being prioritised.
(LEFT) Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who made the comments, and (RIGHT) Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer, who submitted the motion
UPDATE — 7.55pm approx — September 25, 2025 — Cllr O'Dwyer also told the Leader after the meeting that the aforementioned funding has been added to the Capital Programme for next year.