Minister of State Martin Heydon, TD for Kildare South, has called on Kildare County Council to progress the design of a second bridge for Newbridge as well as progressing the project through the planning permission process.
“There was huge disappointment at the recent failure to secure funding under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) to deliver the new bridge. In my discussions with senior management of Kildare County Council since the URDF decision, I have made the point that irrespective of what state department or funding stream we apply for in the future for the Bridge’s delivery, we will greatly increase our chances of a successful allocation by having the project shovel ready, which it currently isn’t,” Minister Heydon said.
“This requires Kildare County Council to now undertake a detailed design of the new bridge and to bring it through the Part VIII planning process. While a review of all potential funding streams for this key project is required, the fact that we have now been unsuccessful twice in our applications to the URDF I believe, means we should put our energy into other funding streams such as potential Department of Transport schemes.”
“Whatever funding stream is next applied for, our chances of a successful outcome will be greatly increased by making the project shovel ready now and I will continue to work closely with Kildare County Council to see that happen as soon as possible, to help end the significant congestion in Newbridge,” Minister Heydon concluded.