Rice Bridge upgrade signals smarter infrastructure procurement

Rice Bridge in Waterford is set for a major upgrade as part of a €4.47 million contract signed with Fluidpower Group Services UK Ltd. The project includes critical remediation and a full overhaul of the bridge’s mechanical and electrical systems—essential infrastructure that’s carried city traffic since 1984. The move comes after years of assessment revealing outdated components and rising operational risk.

The multi-year investment, backed by the Department of Transport under the Strategic Grant scheme, demonstrates how local authorities are leveraging specialist contractors and international consultants to futureproof ageing infrastructure. The approach blends engineering expertise with procurement foresight, ensuring critical assets are not only restored but optimised for decades of service ahead.

With a 15-month timeline and a clear mandate for performance and safety, the Rice Bridge upgrade sets a precedent for integrated, technically informed procurement in regional infrastructure.

Read the full story to see how public procurement is reshaping long-term resilience.