A bridge quite near: official opening of new Mullingar crossing

Anyone who has navigated their way across Saunders Bridge on the Ardmore Road, Mullingar as a pedestrian is aware of the hazardous nature of such a crossing.

When the single-arch canal bridge carrying the road over the Royal Canal was built around 1806, the designers could not have foreseen the volume of traffic it would accommodate, any more than a car driver could anticipate an e-scooter whizzing over the crossing point.

In May 2019, Westmeath County Council sought submissions on the provision of a pedestrian and cycle bridge at the site. In June of last year the sod was turned, and last week Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien was present with scissors in hand to formally cut the ribbon announcing its official opening.

Billed as a “milestone in the ongoing development of safer, more sustainable transport infrastructure in Mullingar”, the new bridge is a crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, improving connectivity between residential areas, schools and amenities.

Last Tuesday An Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aoife Davitt, took the guests and the odd passer by through the history of Mullingar’s latest piece of transport infrastructure. Funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Investment Programme, the footbridge is a potential lifesaver.

Cllr Davitt wasn’t avoiding hyperbole in her opening statement: “We achieved greatness today,” she said. “The official opening of Saunders Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge marks a proud and significant moment for Mullingar and the wider community.”

It is a great bridge. More importantly it makes a dangerous bottleneck, where the visibility of road users is obscured, safer. For Cllr Davitt, that is what local authority is about: “It’s a clear statement about our community and how we continue to build more connected, accessible, and forward-looking infrastructure.

“It will enhance safety, reduce reliance on car travel, and create a more connected and inclusive urban environment.”

The council say the project “reflects a growing commitment” to investment in infrastructure that supports healthier lifestyles and a lower-carbon future.

It also looks good. The rusted metal railing, the wooden supports, the low level LED lights, and the way it shimmies across the canal all give it a vibe that is modern and urban, without looking at odds with its stately limestone older brother.

Constructed to modern design and accessibility standards, the bridge features a wide, shared-use deck, gentle approach gradients and safety lighting, ensuring it can be comfortably used by people of all ages and abilities.

Saunders Bridge Jr puts Mullingar a further step towards becoming a more walkable, cycle-friendly and connected town. Minister O’Brien said: “This new pedestrian and cycle bridge is a key piece of Active Travel infrastructure in Mullingar, enhancing connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians.

“Its completion will improve safety and accessibility for Active Travel users, while supporting the sustainable development of Mullingar’s south-eastern suburbs.

The Department of Transport provided over €3 million to this project through the NTA’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Fund, as part of our overall investment in walking and cycling, which has seen more than 1,000km of Active Travel infrastructure delivered nationally since the start of the decade.”

That particular part of the county town is experiencing a mini boom. New builds, refreshed road layouts, and further plans for expansion hint at the optimism of a town on the rise. This development does present difficulties.

“It was an awkward bridge because this was once a rural part of Mullingar,” Cllr Davitt said. “It just shows the progress that we’ve made in Mullingar, and how we actually are building outwards and better in Mullingar.

“It supports and sustains the growth of our town. By improving connectivity, the bridge unlocks opportunity for the residents here and further apart, and ensures that new and existing communities are better integrated.”

The cathaoirleach addressed an issue planners are focused on: getting people out of cars. In a compact town, accessibility, be it public transport or walking and cycling routes, is a key planning consideration.

Chief executive of Westmeath County Council, Barry Kehoe, noted that in his address: “This bridge, with its bold design and high quality finishes, symbolises the importance we place on Active Travel infrastructure.

“By providing a safe, accessible crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, and by connecting residential areas directly to the town centre, we are opening up real options for people to travel differently.

“Crucially, this bridge and its associated links will also facilitate the delivery of much-needed housing in the area, helping us to grow the town in a planned and sustainable way.”

Mr Kehoe acknowledged the input of senior executive engineer Pat Nally, Murphy International Ltd (main contractors) and Simon Lamont, director of Civil Engineering at Design ID.

He concluded: “We look forward very much to delivering many more Active Travel schemes across the county in the years ahead.”

The mayor of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, Cllr Mick Dollard, tapped in to the aspirations of the project: “This bridge reflects the ambition of Mullingar as a town, to invest in infrastructure that is safe, modern and forward-looking. It enhances connectivity while respecting the character and environment that make Mullingar such a special place to live, work, and visit.”

Other local elected representatives were there for the launch. Cllr Ken Glynn was acknowledged for his contribution, and Cllr Alfie Devine had a few words with the minister about projects he was pushing.

That soft lobbying was welcomed by Minister O’Brien who said: “To our councillors and our Minister for State (Robert Troy), keep bringing the projects forward. You’ve shown the ability to be able to deliver technically difficult projects like this but that will make a significant difference for our people.”

In wrapping up proceedings, Cllr Davitt said: Saunders Bridge is a symbol of progress. It reinforces the message that people should have genuine choice in how they move around our town. I see it as an important part of our local link.”