€1.7m allocated for pedestrian and cycle bridge at Saunder's Bridge

Almost €1.7m has been allocated for the new pedestrian and cycle bridge at Saunder's Bridge in Mullingar.

The funding is part of a €3.5m allocation for Westmeath from the National Transport Authority (NTA) for 20 local Active Travel projects.

In addition to the €1,698,000 allocated for the pedestrian and cycle bridge at Saunder's Bridge, a total of €460,000 has been allocated for Active Travel staff costs in Westmeath, while €137,000 has been allocated for the Grange South to Orbital C-Link Active Travel Scheme. Five hundred thousand euros has been allocated for the Bus Stop Enhancement Project.

Welcoming the allocation for Saunder's Bridge, Deputy Robert Troy said that the delivery of the pedestrian and cycle bridge is “long overdue”.

“It is very much needed and a critical piece of infrastructure for a what is a very busy road, that has a very busy school located on it and a lot of residences with more planned.

“I understand that the tender is ready to be awarded in the next week or fortnight. It is great to see the project progress and it is one I have worked on for a long time.”

When the bridge is constructed Deputy Troy says that it “will make some difference to a lot of people”.

“I run that route typically and it is treacherous. The bridge is treacherous and it will make a huge difference to people. As the name suggests, when it comes to active travel it will be a great facility for walkers, cyclists and runners, but most importantly it will be hugely welcomed by the people who use it as a necessity every day.”