The new Brian Boru Bridge is expected to be a “lasting monument to the friendship between the twin towns” of Killaloe and Ballina.
The ribbon has been cut on the first vehicular bridge crossing built over the River Shannon since 1991 which it’s hoped will put an end to decades of traffic congestion woes in the region.
Elected representatives, local authority officials and invited guests were among those in attendance at the official opening of the Killaloe Bypass Road Project on Thursday afternoon.
The €88 million project is over 20 years in the making and includes a new five-pier single carriageway bridge, to be known as the Brian Boru Bridge, accommodating vehicular traffic as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
Two kilometres of a single carriageway bypass around Killaloe has been constructed, connecting the R463 to the north of the town with the new bridge and R494 south of the town.
Additionally, 3.3 kilometres of the existing R494 has been upgraded and realigned, while 6.2 kilometres of cycling and pedestrian facilities have been provided.
Guest-of-honour at the event, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, says the scheme will be “transformational” for the wider East Clare region.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Sixmilebridge Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O’Callaghan, claims the project wasn’t without its obstacles.
His Tipperary County Council counterpart, Fine Gael Councillor Declan Burgess, believes the development shows what can happen when the two counties work together.
The Brian Boru Bridge is the first crossing to be put in place over the River Shannon since 1991 when the Shannon Way Bridge, which connects Athlone in County Westmeath to County Roscommon, was unveiled.
Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O’Brien insists that with the new enhancements, the region is now ripe for investment.
Tipperary Labour TD Alan Kelly worked to include the project in the National Capital Infrastructure Plan when he was a Minister in 2015 and he says the unveiling is undoubtedly a career highlight for him.
It’s hoped the bridge, bypass and road improvements will improve quality of life for residents of Killaloe and Ballina by taking traffic out of the town centres, thus reducing congestion, protecting heritage areas and supporting the local economy.
At 90 years of age, Pat McNamara is one of Killaloe’s oldest residents and he’s confident that with the new infrastructure now in operation, the town has a bright future ahead.
You can listen to the full interview here:
