Many Councillors Demand Weight Restrictions On Ardclough Bridge As HGVs Continue To Cause Damage

Monday, 22 June 2026 12:34

By Daniel Maher

It comes as concerns have been raised about HGVs using the bridge, getting stuck and sometimes causing damage to it.

Local councillors have demanded that action be taken about the Ardclough Canal Bridge.

It comes as concerns have been raised about HGVs using the bridge, getting stuck on the bridge and sometimes causing damage to it.

A number of councillors for Celbridge-Leixlip MD, raised a motion at the last meeting to impose weight restrictions on the bridge, as well as signage, including Declan Ryan, David Trost, Claire O'Rourke, Paul Brooks and Rupert Heather.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Labour Councillor for Celbridge-Leixlip MD Rupert Heather said that there has been "pretty bad" damage done to the bridge:

"I went to look at the bridge and you could actually see through the bridge, there were four or five pretty bad examples of 'artics' crashing into the structure and breaking it."

"HGVs and 'artics' getting stuck on the bridge happens all the time. It's about ensuring these vehicles don't get onto the bridge."

"It needs to be done. A few hours after I was down there, an 'artic' got stuck on the bridge, had to reverse off and smashed into a wall behind. The size and scale of these vehicles and the current situation is not sustainable."

Cllr Heather did note that Waterways Ireland, who own the bridge, are currently repairing damages to it.

The full interview can be heard below: