Why the longest bridge in Ireland must close for works - 'The initial repair was not entirely effective'

Repairs are underway on Pier 4 of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge on the N25 New Ross Bypass after an insufficient amount of concrete was initially poured. Quality control checks found not enough concrete cover on the structural steel cage on two sides of the pier, and a concrete coating was applied at the time. A follow-up inspection in 2025 found the earlier repair was not entirely effective. Transport Infrastructure Ireland oversees the works, which began May 25 with overnight closures. The bridge will close Wednesday May 27 and Thursday May 28 from 8pm to 4am, with traffic diverted through New Ross town. During the day, traffic will be limited to one lane from 7.30am to 3.30pm. The work aims to finish by June 10, with possible additional lane closures for final finishing.

"During the initial construction of Pier 4, it was discovered during subsequent quality control checks that there was not enough concrete cover on the structural steel cage on two sides of the pier. A concrete coating on the two affected sides was carried out at the time. However after another follow-up inspection in 2025, it was discovered that the initial repair carried out "was not entirely effective"."

"The works on the N25 Bypass, which is within the remit of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), have been under way on the bridge since Monday, May 25, with two overnight closures scheduled for this week. The bridge will close on Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, from 8pm until 4am on both nights, and traffic will be diverted through New Ross town."

""The works being carried out over the next three weeks is to remove the previous repair material and re-apply the new concrete coating on Pier 4," Mr Hore said, adding that this is a "relatively minor repair, but it is extremely difficult and awkward to access without the proposed closures". Mr Hore confirmed that the "integrity of the bridge is not compromised"."

"Throughought the day there will be no diversions, however traffic will be limited to one lane, both westbound and eastbound, between the hours of 7.30am and 3.30pm. It's understood the works are aimed to be completed by Wednesday, June 10. However, it will later be confirmed if there will be further lane closures for final finishings of both sides, potentially dated for Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12."

Read at Irish Independent