The estimated cost of a major roadworks scheme for Killaloe has increased by over €20 million euro since it was first announced.
The Department of Transport now estimates that €62 million will be spent on a bypass of Killaloe, a new bridge linking it and Ballina, as well as an upgrade of the R494 to Birdhill.
For well over a decade now, preparatory works have been carried out on this project, the most expensive of twelve significant capital road improvement schemes being pursued by the State.
The new bridge will move traffic away from the current 18th Century Bridge linking Killaloe with Ballina, easing traffic snarls in both towns.
But it has been delayed, including by a High Court challenge on environmental grounds, which failed to halt the works.
But the years-long wait is proving costly – in 2011, it was estimated that the works would cost €41 million, and that has now risen by over half to €62 million.
In his latest update, Minister Shane Ross has also confirmed that, to date, just over €1.5 million has been spent on the project.
Clare County Council says a firm of Engineering Consultants is currently finalising the detailed design of the project, and it expects to award a contract next summer.
Funding will be conditional on Department approval, and it estimates that the works will be completed in 2023.
