The late John Kerry Keane was owner and editor of the Kilkenny People for four decades
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15 Mar 2026
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15 Mar 2026
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Ferrymountgarret Bridge. Picture: NBHS
Motorists could be facing months of long diversions when works to repair and strengthen a Kilkenny bridge take place this summer.
Remediation works on Ferry Mountgarret Bridge, which crosses the River Barrow between counties Kilkenny and Wexford, will be timed to cause the least amount of disruption possible, motorists are assured, but the closure will be lengthy.
Funding of €1.8 million has been secured by Kilkenny County Council to undertake the work.
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Survey work, last summer, revealed that ‘for a bridge of that age’ it is in very good condition. Ferry Mountgarret bridge is almost 100 years old.
However, work is needed on the structure, including steel work, painting, and work on the cement parapets.
Tenders for the work are currently being invited on the etender online portal.
Cllr Brian Cleere said he is already being asked about the closure and asked that information be shared ‘straight away’ when contracts are signed. People who use heavy machinery are concerned about travelling on back roads, he added.
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Area Engineer, Declan Murphy, said when contractors are appointed they will issue a works programme that will include closures. This time frame will depend on the contractor.
The county council will have to issue a statutory notice regarding the closure so that will allow a period of time to communicate details to the public.
Mr Murphy said they will try to keep the works period to school holiday time. He acknowledged the closure time won’t suit everybody but they would try to keep disruption to a minimum.
The council has requested that work take place seven days and week and over longer hours, to get the work done as quickly as possible.
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