Frustrations mount over delays on works on Kilkenny's Ring Road

Frustrations are growing over delays to works being carried out in the vicinity of the Ossory Bridge at the Ring Road in Kilkenny.

The issue was raised by members of Kilkenny City Municipal District at their monthly meeting last Friday.

Councillor Andrew McGuinness asked at the meeting why the works are taking so long to complete.

“There are traffic delays every morning, it is highly frustrating as often no one is working there,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by several councillors, including Cllr Martin Brett.

"There are fellas there making love to a shovel and more machinery than in a machinery yard and no movement there. It is frightening, I am driving there every day," he said.

Director of Services, Tim Butler told members that the purpose of the work is to make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

"At the moment there is a narrow footpath on Ossory Bridge and cyclists have to dismount and it is very narrow for people to cross. These works are essential and then started in late May."

At the initial stages of the project there was a structural issue identified with the bridge and this had to be remedied," he said adding that this caused a six week period earlier in the year when very little work if any was done.

"Works are now expected to be completed in late November due to this delay," he said.

Mr Butler also pointed out that the initial traffic management plan had included traffic lights, which were subsequently not used.

"While there were delays at some times it would be much worse if there were traffic lights there," he added.

The works will create improved pedestrian and cycling facilities at Ossory Bridge, Kilkenny.

Earlier this year, it was announced that a €250,000 scheme by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TFI) was granted to widen the footpaths at Ossory Bridge.

A number of measures are been put in place to increase safety on the bridge. These measures include a parapet railing,  the renewal of bridge deck waterproofing to allow for the construction of the new footpath and cycleway, modifications to the Bennettsbridge roundabout, bridge deck joints and public lighting modifications.