Contracts have officially been signed between Waterford City and County Council and Fluidpower Group Services UK Ltd, trading as Flowtech, for remediation works and the upgrade of mechanical and electrical systems of Rice Bridge.

Carrying thousands of vehicles daily, Rice Bridge is a key component of Waterford city's transport network. Its strategic location near the city centre makes it essential for local commerce, emergency services and public transport.

The proposed scheme includes upgrades to the bridge's MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control, and Automation) systems, specifically:

• Remediation and/or replacement of the mechanical, electrical, and control equipment associated with the opening span.

• Works on utilities and services running through the bridge's plant rooms.

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• Installation of a new access hatch to the plant room.

The contracts were signed in the Mayor's Parlour in City Hall in the presence of Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy, Mary Butler TD, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Mental Health, and John Cummins TD, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning.

Speaking at the contract signing, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy said: "This is a hugely positive step in the upgrade of Rice Bridge, which has served Waterford well for over 40 years as the main thoroughfare from the city to Ferrybank and beyond.

"Investment in Rice Bridge will only serve to further improve logistical and structural integrity and allow Rice Bridge to operate as efficiently as possible into the future."

The contract was tendered in late 2024 and the successful contractor was Flowtech, a UK based specialist in bridge engineering, with sub offices in Ireland. The overall value of the contract is €4,467,750 ex VAT. The works contact is for 15 months with a further one-year period for completion of snags.

The work is being funded on a multi-annual basis – with an allocation of €1,500,000 in 2025 – under the Strategic Grant category for local and regional roads with the specific objective of funding fund a variety of projects, including bridge repairs, junction reconfigurations and initiatives to reduce traffic congestion in towns.