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26 Jan 2026
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26 Jan 2026
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The matter was discussed at a recent Kildare County Council meeting. Pictured above is the official headquarters of Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, in Devoy Park, Naas. File photograph
Kildare County Council (KCC) has been told that there is an "urgent need" to fund the construction of a second bridge for Newbridge.
The proposal, which has been raised repeatedly over the years, was once again highlighted at a recent KCC meeting by Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender.
At the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, January 21 last, he motioned for KCC to "write to the Minister for Transport [Darragh O'Brien, TD], highlighting the urgent need for funding for the second River Liffey bridge in Newbridge, stressing its importance for congestion relief and active‐travel connectivity, and requesting its prioritisation in the forthcoming funding allocations".
He then told KCC that he wished to amend the wording of his motion, to instead specify that KCC should "write to all relevant Ministers" and not just the Minister for Transport.
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Cllr Pender's motion was seconded by Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly, and it received further support from Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer.
In response, KCC said via its report that this would be a matter for the members to agree upon.
After a brief vote, it was decided that KCC would write to the relevant Ministers about the "urgent need for funding" in relation to the proposed second bridge for Newbridge.
RELATED MOTION
Directly after this motion, Cllr Pender motioned for KCC to prioritise traffic management and pedestrian safety works for the Liffey Hall area of the town, "in advance of the delivery of the second bridge as this area will form a significant section of the Newbridge Southern Orbital Route".
This motion was seconded by Cllr O'Dwyer.
Replying to this motion, KCC said via its report:" The Municipal District Office will carry out an assessment of pedestrian safety in Liffey Hall and identify locations for potential safety improvement works if future funding becomes available."
In addition, a representative of KCC who was also present at this meeting told the councillors: "Just to point out, we are expecting an allocation [sometime] this year."
Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph
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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
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