Regular reports on ambitious bridge project in Kildare sought
The proposed structure is being planned for Newbridge
Regular reports from Kildare County Council (KCC) are being sought for an ambitious and highly-anticipated bridge project in County Kildare.
The matter was raised during the early stages of the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which occurred on Wednesday, September 16 last.
The subject of the proposed bridge project, which is being planned for Newbridge, arose when Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender motioned for KCC to ‘include a quarterly written update on the Newbridge Second Liffey Bridge Project as a standing item on the Kildare-Newbridge MD agenda’.
According to Cllr Pender, he wanted these quarterly updates to cover ‘progress, funding, key milestones and any delays affecting delivery’.
His motion was seconded by the Mayor of the MD, Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle.
In response to Cllr Pender’s request, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: “The MD members are in receipt of regular and comprehensive updates on the Newbridge Southern Outer Orbital Road through a number of established reporting mechanisms.
“These arrangements ensure that members receive both written and verbal updates on project progress and have opportunities to raise queries and seek clarification as required.”
CURRENT MEASURES
KCC also listed examples of current reporting measures it has in place in relation to the proposed second bridge project.
These measures include:
- “Monthly written updates through the Chief Executive's Report, which outline project progress and provide members with regular information on key developments and milestones achieved”
- “Quarterly project updates to the Kildare-Newbridge MD meetings, where the Project Manager attends in person to present progress updates, advise on key milestones and respond to questions from members”
- “Responses to Motions and Questions, where detailed information is provided when submissions are made during the quarterly update periods”
- “Progress Report updates, whereby any item placed on the Municipal District Progress Report continues to be updated as progress is made and further information becomes available”
Given the range and frequency of reporting mechanisms already in place, members currently receive regular written and verbal updates on the project, including opportunities for direct engagement with the Project Manager,” KCC added. “It is therefore considered that adequate reporting arrangements exist at present and that the information sought through this motion is already being provided through established channels.”
Following this, a representative for KCC spoke to assure Cllr Pender that KCC would keep the MD’s councillors up to date on any significant developments that relate to the project.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.