Latest Kildare News: Local TD calls for new bridge for Newbridge

Ryan welcomes Kildare Co Co proceeding to part 8 in development of bridge

Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South Patricia Ryan has asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government
and Heritage for a meeting to discuss funding for a second bridge in Newbridge.
Deputy Ryan said she had been approached by constituents to query the refusal of URDF funding for
a second bridge in Kildare.

“I was disappointed in the reply I have received from the Department, as
it was very vague. Kildare County Council have requested a follow up meeting with the Department
of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ask for feedback about the URDF application. I have
emailed the Minister as I, too, have a number of questions I would like to put to him.

“I have also requested a meeting with Eamon Ryan, the Minister for Transport. This bridge is
absolutely essential for Newbridge to ensure sustainable development takes place. If URDF funding
is not available, we must identify an alternative funding stream. I do not think a vague, non-answer
from the departments is good enough and I will not be accepting it. The people of Newbridge
deserve a full and complete explanation.

“Kildare County Council have informed me that the feedback from the Department will be shared
with the public, but I assume it will be as vague as the reply I have received from them when I
questioned the reason for the refusal. Cllr Noel Connolly and Chris McManus MEP met with KCC CEO
Peter Carey and among other things discussed the need for a second bridge. To be fair to Peter he is
very aware of the importance of this vital piece of infrastructure is to sustainable development in
Newbridge.

“We need to see progress on the traffic plan for Newbridge as it will be crucial evidence of the need
to deliver the bridge. I welcome Kildare County Council proceeding to part 8 in preparation for
delivering the bridge. We need to be shovel ready as soon as funding is available.