An East Clare Councillor is hailing the beginning of the Killaloe bypass works as a ‘game changer’ for the area.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has officially turned the sod on the works, which will see a new bridge joining Killaloe to Ballina, while the R494 to Birdhill is also set for an upgrade.
The entire scheme is over 6km in length and will cross the River Shannon approximately 1km downstream of the existing Killaloe Bridge.
The Project Team, led by Clare County Council and consisting of Tipperary County Council, the Department of Transport and scheme consultants, RPS Consulting Engineers, have been progressing the delivery of this significant piece of infrastructure for the Mid-West region over the past number of years.
Minister Ryan approved the award of contract for the project in December 2021 with contractors John Sisk & Son appointed earlier this year, with the works expected to take up to three years to complete.
The works will see a new bridge joining the town to Ballina to divert from the 18th century bridge currently used and will cost an estimated 60 million euro.
Whitegate-based Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke believes it will be of huge benefit to the entire East Clare region.
The Mayor of Clare meanwhile believes the new bypass could lead to fresh foreign direct investment into the East of the county.
The old Finsa site in Scariff is currently undergoing development having previously had more than 150 people employed there during its peak before the economic crash.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Killaloe-based Fianna Fail Councillor Tony O’ Brien says the enhanced connectivity for the area will be invaluable in many ways.
Speaking in Killaloe, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, said: “I am very pleased to be here today to turn the sod on what is a major infrastructural project of strategic importance to the Mid-West region. The scheme when complete is set to have many benefits, including safer roads and less town centre congestion, smarter travel with the delivery of dedicated pedestrian and cycle network along the entire scheme, safer access to public transport, and the promotion of safe walking and cycling to work, schools and to both town centres.”
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien, said: “This is a momentous day for Killaloe and Ballina, for the counties of Clare and Tipperary, and for the entire Mid-West region. There has been a huge amount of work done going back many years to advance the project to this point, and I would like to acknowledge the work of all those who have contributed to its progress. As Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and an Elected Member of the Killaloe Municipal District, it gives me great encouragement for the future development of the area to see construction get underway.”
Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr Roger Kennedy, said: “This event today is a tribute to the tremendous cooperation between Clare and Tipperary County Councils over the last 15 years since the project was first mooted. The project is a unique opportunity to open up further East Clare and North West Tipperary to international and national tourism. It really complements the investment in the Lough Derg region as a major attraction in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, said: “I am delighted to see the sod being turned on this vital infrastructural project by the Minister, as the inadequacy of the existing route has been recognised for many years. With our colleagues in Tipperary County Council we have exciting plans for the linked settlements of Killaloe and Ballina, as outlined in the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan, and this infrastructural project is a major piece of the jigsaw for the future development and enhancement of the towns. This is a wonderful place to live, work and visit, and the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme will enhance the area as a location for residents, businesses and tourists. I would like to commend the Project Team and I look forward to the completion of the project.”
Joe MacGrath, Chief Executive, Tipperary County Council, stated: “The twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina will be finally rid of traffic congestion and they will be able to develop together as a stunning location to live in or visit on the River Shannon.”
Clare County Council’s Director of Physical Development, Carmel Kirby, said that journey time savings, improved accessibility and connectivity, as well as many other environmental, tourism and health benefits will accrue from the new scheme: “These benefits include enhanced safety measures along the R494, pedestrian and cycle facilities throughout the scheme including facilitation of the Limerick to Scarriff Greenway/Blueway, reduction in carbon levels in both towns as well as many other active travel opportunities.”
Senior Engineer in Clare County Council’s Project Management Office, Seán Lenihan, said: “It is great to finally get moving on this key piece of infrastructure. It has been a long time coming and has not been without its challenges. We are looking forward now to its completion and are delighted to be working with very capable consultants in RPS and contractors in John Sisk and Son. As in all major capital works, there will be disturbance and disruption during construction. This is unavoidable but will be monitored, mitigated and kept to an absolute minimum. We ask for the community’s patience and understanding in this regard and believe that the longer-term benefits will far outweigh the shorter-term pain.”
