Weight restriction ruled out for this 'dangerous' Kildare bridge

Kildare County Council has stated that there is “no indication” that a weight restriction is required for Henry Bridge (Ardclough Canal Bridge) in North Kildare, despite the representations of a number of councillors.

The motions and questions were put forward at the June meeting of Celbridge Leixlip Municipal District, held on Friday, June 19 2026.

Cllr Declan Ryan's (FG) motion, which was taken to represent the issues raised by other councillors, called for “an immediate structural assessment” of Ardclough Canal Bridge, “following recent and repeated incidents of damage to the structure.”

The motion called for a suitable weight restriction on the bridge, appropriate signage, and any additional traffic calming measures deemed necessary following the structural assessment.

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Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Ryan said he accepted that Waterways Ireland is responsible for the maintenance of the bridge, however given that Henry Bridge “is nearly 250 years old”, it is not suitable for modern-day, heavy traffic.

He would like to know, he said, what loads some of these vehicles are designed to carry, how regularly inspections were carried out on vehicles, and if these were carried out in conjunction with Waterways Ireland.

While Waterways Ireland was responsible for the bridge, he said, Kildare County Council was responsible for the upkeep of roads and of signage approaching the bridge.

Cllr Ryan said that the signage at Ardclough Canal Bridge is “totally inadequate”, and is blocked by trees and overgrowth, something he said falls under the council's responsibility, not Waterways Ireland.

Cllr David Trost (FF) pointed out that over the last few months there has been “a flare-up” of “hits” on the bridge.

There was a real need, he said, to find workable solutions to the problem, to avoid accidents happening on an ongoing basis.

“We really have a problem with this bridge, and it's not a new problem”, he said.

Also speaking at the meeting, Cllr Claire O'Rourke (SD) said that she noticed that the response from the council to all the motions “was essentially the same”, and suggested that Kildare County Council was “passing the buck” to Waterways Ireland.

Cllr Paul Brooks (FG) said there was a need to impose weight restrictions on the bridge and reduce the number of HGVs travelling over the bridge.

Cllr Brooks said that even for himself, “as a confident driver”, when he took that route he found it “sends a shiver up my spine because it's completely blind.”

A report issued by the council stated: “The bridge in Ardclough is owned by Waterways Ireland and they are responsible for the inspection and maintenance of their assets.

“There is no indication at present that a weight restriction is required by Waterways Ireland. Kildare County Council are currently engaging with Waterways Ireland about the introduction of traffic calming measures at several of their assets and can consider this location for similar measures if deemed appropriate.”