In response to requests from the Office of An Taoiseach in September 2021, my Department provided briefing for the information of An Taoiseach on the current road traffic system for Ardfinnan bridge along with details of funding options for structural repair works and a new pedestrian bridge.
The briefing provided outlined the details of the works on the existing Ardfinnan bridge which are being funded by my Department through the National Transport Authority (NTA). These include the construction of a permanent footpath on the bridge, a pedestrian crossing on the north side of the bridge to facilitate safe crossing onto the existing Barrack Street footpath, and the installation of traffic-sensor traffic lights on both ends of the bridge which will result in shorter waiting times for motorists and should improve the traffic flow.
The briefing also outlined that the NTA are happy to consider any proposal for an additional pedestrian bridge in Ardfinnan, provided that Tipperary County Council submit necessary economic analyses and any additional required assessments as part of that proposal, as is the case with all capital project applications from local authorities.