Kilkenny bridge picketwill be lifted today

The 24-hour picket mounted by opponents of the controversial new bridge in Kilkenny is likely to end today although there is now speculation a legal challenge will be taken against the project.

Green Party councillor Malcolm Noonan has conceded defeat in the political battle against the Central Access Scheme following a vote by Kilkenny County Council on Monday, but protesters say their campaign will continue.

A motion was brought by three councillors at Monday’s calling for work on the €4m bridge construction to be suspended but was defeated by 17 votes to five.

“We have to accept the democratic decision that was made on Monday,” Mr Noonan, one of the sponsors of the motion, along with Sinn Féin’s Kathleen Funchion and Independent Breda Gardner, said.

Darragh Byrne of the Save Kilkenny protest group said yesterday that gardaí told those who have mounted a round-the-clock picket since late June at the construction site near Green’s Bridge that they intend to clear the site today.

Following a meeting, opponents of the project agreed to leave the picket site when gardaí arrive.