The feasibility study on the Liffey Bridge in Celbridge is now complete. It has been published and available to read in detail on the Kildare Co Co website www.kildarecountycouncil.ie
I have discussed in detail the findings of this report with an in-studio interview on KFM. There are seven options in total. Five of them deal with the long term solution which is the different locations for a new bridge and one option details an immediate solution. I have made submission to this report and engaged with the consultants together with Kildare County Council in delivering an immediate solution.
Long Term Solution: Five locations are identified for a new bridge with the preferred option been a bridge at the St. Raphael's Clane Road car park taking the traffic away from the town. Any new bridge option will take some time to consider and deliver due to all the different detailed studies and designs that are required and not to mention the funding. However we must not wait for a new bridge to reduce the traffic delays as we can implement improvements now as I have set out below.
Immediate Solution: I have done a detailed submission in this regard with the Tidy Towns to reduce traffic delays at peak times in Celbridge at the bridge and associated junctions. I have met with the C.E.O and Director of Services on this proposal which will have a positive consequence. The Council will be progressing this option. I hope by the end of August 2015 traffic will be restricted from turning right after you cross the bridge heading for Dublin which will reduce the tail-backs. This option is also covered in the RPS report. I believe this is worth trialling. If this has a positive effect I have discussed with the council that they do a design and go to public consultation on removing the current footpath of the bridge and putting a new walk and cycle path on the Mill side of the existing bridge. This can be free standing or supported of the bridge. This will then give full safety to the vulnerable road user. This immediate solution will improve the current problems and delays. I hope that real improvements are now on the way and they are deliverable. I will keep this issue as one of my main priorities for Celbridge.
Seamus Mc Donnell
over 9 years ago