Update given on engineering works in Kildare-Newbridge MD

An engineering works update was provided to councillors representing the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) last week.

The update was in the form of a presentation delivered by a Kildare County Council (KCC) engineer at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Wednesday, June 21.

The engineer began the presentation by discussing the Newbridge Orbital and Second Bridge.

He noted that: the Glenveagh/Belin Woods development is still under construction; a planning application has been submitted regarding the proposed second bridge for Newbridge; and the Aston Limited Strategic Housing Development application is currenly with An Bord Pleanála (ABP).

Commenting on the last point, the engineer added that KCC 'is actively working with developers Ballyfarm and Lidl with a view to having the road opened and taken in charge (by KCC).'

He then spoke about the new Newhall Junction located on the R445, and remarked that the main works contract will be tendered, 'once a decision from ABP is received.'

The engineer also briefly mentioned that there were two active transportation strategies by KCC at present, which relate to the towns of Newbridge and Maynooth.

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Speaking about the Junction Programme (Phase 1A), he said that a consultant has been appointed, and that the phase will include the junctions at Dagsweld Cross, Prosperous, Allenwood, Bert Cross and Watchhouse Cross.

He then spoke about a development involving a new workshop, office buildings and 'several ancillary elements', plus a Regional Salt Barn, to replace the current Newbridge facility.

"The enabling works contract has been completed by Clonmel Enterprises Ltd, and the main building contract was awarded to them too on September 27, 2022," he said: "The construction will take 12 months and the contract is valued at €10.98 million."

The engineer further said that there is an ongoing rolling programme of maintenance of moasonry arch bridges, with funding from the Department of Transport (DoT).

"Works were completed to ten bridges in 2022," he explained: "The works took place in Monasterevin, Graiguepottle, and Brooke Bridge, as part of the DoT programme.

"Repair works also took place at Caragh, Kellystown, Quigleys, Ford Road, Alexandria, Celbridge and the Morrell Bridges following vehicular damage."

The engineer added that repair works were also successfully completed at the Millicent Bridge, and the road was reopened.