Part 8 Development
Notice of Proposed Development by Local Authority
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)
Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)
Planning Reference: P82025.03
Location: Along the route of the Grand Canal Greenway Phase 2 at Downings South and Lowtown
Project: Grand Canal Greenway Phase 2 Additional Bridges
In accordance with Part 8, Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), Kildare County Council hereby gives notice that it intends to carry out the following development:
The proposal is for the provision of two additional prefabricated pedestrian bridges with approach ramp access on Phase 2 of the Grand Canal Greenway. The additional bridges will improve existing cycling and pedestrian infrastructure deficiencies and safety concerns, providing increased segregation between Greenway users and thereby allowing for safer access for users of the Greenway by avoiding the crossing of and travelling along dangerous sections of the public road. Bridge 1 is located just west of the existing Lowtown Bridge and Bridge 2 is located circa. 175m east of the existing Healy’s Bridge (Bonynge Bridge).
The proposed works at Bridge 1 (located just west of Lowtown Bridge) involve the erection of a steel bridge over the Grand Canal and the construction of green reinforced earth bank approach ramps either side (circa. 130 metres in total length and 3 metres in width) with associated railings. In addition, the proposed works include an extension of the Greenway (circa. 1km) along the southern bank of the Grand Canal from the proposed pedestrian bridge in an eastern direction toward the village of Robertstown.
The proposed works at Bridge 2 (located circa. 175m to the east of Healy’s Bridge /Bonynge Bridge) involves the erection of a steel bridge over the Grand Canal and the construction of green reinforced earth bank approach ramps either side (circa. 150 metres in total length and 3 metres in length) with associated railings. In addition, the proposed works include an additional pathway from the new pedestrian bridge to the original intended Greenway route (circa. 100 metres in length) and facilitating works within the curtilage of a protected structure – Healys / Bonynge Bridge (RPS No. B13-16).
The development also includes the installation of signage, road markings, bollards and associated site works at the above locations. An Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Report has been prepared in respect of the proposed works.
The proposal has undergone Appropriate Assessment Screening under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), and the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, and the European Communities (Bird and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 – 2015. Kildare County Council has determined that the proposed development will not have a significant effect on a European Site and an Appropriate Assessment is not required.
The proposal has also undergone screening for Environmental Impact Assessment under the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU and the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended. Having regard to the provisions of the legislation, the nature and scale of the proposed development, the information provided in accordance with Schedule 7A of the Regulations, and having regard to the scale, nature and location of the proposed impacts, the potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures and the results of any other relevant assessments of the effects on the environment. Kildare County Council has determined that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development and that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required. In accordance with Article 120 of the Planning and Development Regulations (as amended) any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of this notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development, Ref. No. P82025.03, will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during normal opening times at Kildare County Council, at the address below, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday for a period of 6 weeks from Wednesday, 21 May to Thursday, 3 July (inclusive).
Details of the proposed development are also available on Kildare County Council’s website online at: https://kildarecoco.ie/AllServices/Planning/Part8Schemes/StrategicProjectsandPublicRealm/index.html
or from the QR code on this notice.
Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development will be situated, may be made to:
Senior Executive Officer, Strategic Projects and Public Realm Team, Housing and Regeneration Department, Level 3, Kildare County Council, at the address below, or online at https://consult.kildarecoco.ie/en/consultation/part-8-grand-canal-greenway-phase-2- additional-bridges-p8202503
Submissions must be made no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 3 July 2025. All submissions and observations should be headed ‘Part 8 Proposed Grand Canal Greenway Phase 2 Additional Bridges Ref. No. P82025.03.’
All comments, including names of those making comments submitted to the Council regarding the scheme as outlined above, will form part of the statutorily required report to be presented at a meeting of the elected members. Accordingly, they will also be included in the minutes of that meeting and may appear in the public domain.
