An East Clare Councillor says work beginning on the Killaloe bypass is the beginning of a ‘game changer’ for the area.
Shovels have entered the ground on the 60 million euro project this week.
The works will see a new bridge joining Killaloe to Ballina to divert from the 18th century bridge currently used, while the R494 to Birdhill is also set for an upgrade.
It’s after the project had suffered a number of false dawns in recent years, including legal challenges in early 2020 and COVID-19 restrictions throughout the rest of that year and 2021.
There had been fears that inflation on construction materials would impact the delivery of the works, but that was mitigated after the Government stepped in with the Inflation Co-operation Framework back in May.
John Sisk & Sons Ltd were awarded the tender earlier this year on a three year contract agreement.
Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Sean Lenihan, is hopeful though the project may be completed ahead of that timeline.
There are fresh claims the works will be a ‘game changer’ for both the residents of East Clare and those who choose to avail of the tourism and hospitality offering of the area.
Whitegate-based Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke says it gives more flexibility to people to build their lives in and around Killaloe.
Listen back to the full interview below:
