Kilkenny City celebrated a significant milestone today with the official opening of Rosehill Bridge, a new pedestrian and cycling link reconnecting the City Centre to the Western Environs, via Coote’s Lane. The bridge was officially opened by Deputy Darragh O’Brien, T.D., Minister for Climate, Environment, and Energy, and Minister for Transport, alongside An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness, and the Elected Members of Kilkenny County Council. The €700,000 project was funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Programme and managed by Kilkenny County Council.
Speaking at the event, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, highlighted the importance of the bridge for active travel: “Rosehill Bridge is a bridge to the past, a bridge to the future, and most importantly, a bridge for the people of Kilkenny. This project underscores our commitment to sustainable transport and community connectivity. With its safe and scenic route, it will be a vital link for students, commuters, and recreational users alike.”
Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness echoed these sentiments, emphasising the broader impact on the City: “This is more than just a bridge; it is a vital piece of infrastructure, restoring an historic link and providing a safe, accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists”. He thanked all those who worked on the scheme.
Minister Darragh O’Brien commended the partnership between the National Transport Authority and Kilkenny County Council. He stressed the importance of investing in active travel infrastructure to facilitate a step change in how we move through our towns and cities and committed to ongoing investment in active travel infrastructure to deliver other key links in the City.
Designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings and manufactured locally, the bridge incorporates corten steel and hardwood elements. The bridge is complemented by native planting and interpretive signage from local artists.
Rosehill Bridge is now open to the public, offering a new, sustainable way to navigate Kilkenny while preserving the City’s rich history.
