Exhausted Budgets Expose Infrastructure Gaps Across Kildare–Newbridge Municipal District

Thursday, 18 September 2025 12:51

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News. Got A Story? Email news@kfmradio.com

Lighting upgrades in Caragh and Gurtenoona were evaluated but remain unfunded.

In the Kildare–Newbridge muncipal district, at least 13 local projects are on hold after this week’s council meeting revealed that 2025 budgets are exhausted and external funding hasn’t materialised.

Transport and road safety measures are among the biggest casualties.

A safety upgrade at Kennycourt Junction, Brannockstown has been ruled out for 2026 - it’s not on the Department of Transport’s priority list.

In Newbridge, the St. Conleth’s Bridge boardwalk repair, the Henry Lane shared-space scheme, and digital speed signs on Great Connell Road will wait for future funding.

Flood alleviation at Brownstown Stud and traffic calming on Canal Harbour Road, Monasterevin, are also deferred.

Lighting upgrades in Caragh and Gurtenoona were evaluated but remain unfunded.

Community amenities are also feeling the pinch: temporary COVID-era benches outside Newbridge’s Riverbank Arts Centre won’t be replaced beyond two new seats already procured.

And heritage conservation faces national-level delays - the Curragh Plains Conservation Management Plan, approved last December, cannot proceed until legislation, funding, and a managing agency are in place.

Council officials say they’ll revisit all deferred projects during the 2026 budget cycle and continue lobbying for outside grants.