Meath County Council, in partnership with the Fitzwilliam Group, officially marked the opening of the new Blackwater River Town Bridge and Cycleway in Navan on the afternoon of Friday, 12 June 2026.

The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by the Mayor of Navan, Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons, alongside the Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, and the Chairman of the Fitzwilliam Group, William Smyth, in the presence of local stakeholders and invited guests.

This landmark infrastructure asset provides a high-quality pedestrian and cycle bridge that links Navan Town Centre directly with Blackwater Park and the broader Balmoral area, offering a safe, accessible, and attractive route for families, cyclists, and walkers.

Developed on a 0.77-hectare site situated within the townlands of Abbeyland and Abbeyland South, the project incorporates the newly constructed bridge structure, footpaths, cycleways, and integrated public lighting infrastructure. The bridge spans the River Blackwater in a north-south direction, linking critical residential and recreational zones directly to the heart of the town.

The new infrastructure signifies a substantial investment in Navan's active travel network. By establishing a completely traffic-free route, the bridge is designed to promote healthier lifestyles, encourage sustainable transport choices, and decrease overall dependency on private car journeys. Beyond its immediate transportation advantages, the bridge upgrades the local environment by unlocking scenic vistas along the River Blackwater and improving community access to Blackwater Park, which stands as one of Navan's premier natural amenities. The project is also projected to stimulate local economic activity by driving up pedestrian footfall between the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Mayor of Navan, Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons, stated: "I am delighted to officially open this wonderful new bridge for the people of Navan. It is a superb addition to our town, encouraging walking and cycling, connecting key areas, and providing a beautiful space for people to enjoy. This project reflects the positive direction Navan is taking as a vibrant, accessible and forward-looking town."

William Smyth, Chairman of Fitzwilliam Group, commented: "This is a proud day for all the team at Fitzwilliam Group. The project was originally conceived in 2018, and it has taken a concerted effort with Meath County Council and the various stakeholders involved, to deliver this asset of public good for the community here in Navan."

Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, added: "This is a fantastic day for Navan. This bridge and cycleway is a vital connection that brings communities closer together, promotes active travel, and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

"Projects like this demonstrate how we can shape healthier, more sustainable towns while also supporting local economic activity."