The official opening of the Saunders Pedestrian–Cycle Bridge took place today (5th May 2026), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of safer, more sustainable transport infrastructure in Mullingar.
The new bridge provides a high‑quality, fully accessible crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, improving connectivity between key residential areas, schools and amenities. Designed to encourage walking and cycling for everyday journeys, the new bridge forms an important part of the town’s wider active travel network.
The project is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Investment Programme.
Speaking at the opening, representatives highlighted the bridge’s role in enhancing safety, reducing reliance on car travel, and creating a more connected and inclusive urban environment. The project reflects a growing commitment to investment in infrastructure that supports healthier lifestyles and a lower‑carbon future.
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. It also creates a new, attractive link in the area, strengthening ties between established neighbourhoods and community facilities.
The project was delivered through close collaboration between designers, contractors and local stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on value, durability and integration with existing walking and cycling routes.
With the opening of the Saunders Bridge, Mullingar takes another important step towards becoming a more walkable, cycle‑friendly and connected town.
Minister for Transport, Darragh 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 also 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 over 1,000km of active travel infrastructure delivered nationally since the start of the decade.”
The Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Councillor Aoife Davitt, said: “On behalf of the elected members of Westmeath County Council, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Minister O’Brien and the Department of Transport for making this project possible. This beautiful new bridge is exactly the kind of investment our county needs. It will provide a safe, interesting crossing for people of all ages and abilities, directly connect communities to the town centre, and help unlock the delivery of new housing in a planned, sustainable way. People should have a genuine choice in how they travel, and this bridge, alongside initiatives like our local bus service, gives them that choice. It is a proud day for Mullingar and for everyone who worked to make this happen.”
The Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council, Mr. Barry Kehoe, said: “I want to warmly thank Minister O’Brien and the Department of Transport for their very significant investment in this project. 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.
This is part of a wide range of measures. For example, the local bus service has been exceptionally well received and is a real benefit to the people of Mullingar, I want to sincerely thank the National Transport Authority for their continued support and investment, our designers at Design ID Consulting, Murphy International Ltd. as main contractor, and our own Active Travel team here in Westmeath County Council, led by Senior Executive Engineer Pat Nally, who have worked tirelessly to deliver this project. We look forward very much to delivering many more active travel schemes right across the county in the years ahead.”
The Mayor of the Municipal District of Mullingar-Kinnegad, Councillor Michael Dollard, stated that “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.”
The Project Director of Murphy International Ltd. (the main contractor), Mr James Donnelly,
“Murphy is proud to have fabricated and constructed this visually striking structure, a vital investment in local infrastructure that improves connectivity and delivers a key Active Travel network for pedestrians and cyclists in Mullingar."
Simon Lamont, Director of Civil Engineering at Design ID, consultants for the project ……………
“It’s a real career milestone for me, and for many of the team at Design ID Consulting, to see Saunders Pedestrian Footbridge formally open and become part of the community. We’ve had the privilege of working on this since inception starting with a series of hand drawn sketches exploring simple curves and a less conventional bridge solution.
To see that early work now realised in a bridge that people can use, experience and enjoy every day is incredibly rewarding. Projects like this are about more than infrastructure – they’re about creating connections, improving accessibility and leaving a lasting positive legacy. We’d like to thank Westmeath County Council for supporting an ambitious and innovative concept from the outset, and Murphy for their expertise in delivering what was a challenging design. This has been a true team effort.”
Content Last Updated/Reviewed: 06/05/2026
