Sallins and Naas Railway Station

Single-span iron footbridge over railway line, c.1870, approached by pair of flights of steps. Renovated, c.1995, with span replaced. Red brick walls to flights of steps. Round-headed blind openings following gradient of steps with red brick voussoirs (recessed openings under summits forming open arcaded shelters). Cut-granite steps over having cast-iron railings. Replacement single-span footbridge, c.1995, over railway line with iron mesh parapet walls having iron-clad roof over.

This footbridge, although altered in the late twentieth century, is of considerable interest, representing the technical achievements of two centuries. Originally surmounted by a shallow segmental or elliptical cast-iron footbridge, the functionality and modernity of the replacement span is in stark contrast to the aesthetic quality of the flights of steps. The flanking steps retain most of their original character and materials, however, including early red brick and cast-iron railings. An imposing and picturesque landmark on the railway line the bridge, together with the remaining structures in the Sallins (and Naas) Railway Station complex, is of considerable historical and social significance, having been built as part of the railway network development in Ireland that improved the efficiency of public transport and linked remote areas of the country with larger urban settlements and ports. Now removed. (2014)