A new bridge over the River Shannon, which connects Killaloe in Co Clare and Ballina in Co Tipperary, has been officially opened by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien.
It is the first new vehicular bridge across the Shannon in more than three decades, and forms part of the 6.2km Killaloe Bypass road project.
It has been named after the High King of Ireland Brian Ború, whose Kincora palace overlooked Lough Derg 1,000 years ago.
The transformative project provides a western bypass of Killaloe, and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Birdhill.
The construction of the bridge was carried out by John Sisk and Son Ltd who were awarded the contract by Clare and Tipperary County Councils.
The bridge was a complex engineering feat that took two and a half years to complete. The initial overall cost estimate for the scheme was approximately €88m.
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It has ten viewing platforms at each of its five piers, along with wide pedestrian and cycle ways.
It will greatly improve the quality of life for residents of both towns and has been widely welcomed.
The alternative route will take through traffic and HGVs out of both town centres, thereby significantly reducing congestion, protecting both heritage areas, and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy and the region’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister O’Brien said the transformative road project will strengthen the connection between communities in Clare and Tipperary.
“Road safety remains a key priority in all our infrastructure projects. The completion of the Killaloe Bypass will significantly enhance safety and efficiency for all road users,” the minister said.
“The inclusion of dedicated pedestrian and cycling facilities not only improves safety but also encourages more sustainable, active travel along this vital corridor,” he added.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Councillor Alan O’Callaghan said the need for the bridge and bypass has been evident for many years.
“Congestion on both sides of the river led to long tailbacks causing significant pollution and poor air quality from standing traffic. The daily frustration from 7,000 vehicles a day crossing the old single lane bridge cannot be overestimated, with road safety also an issue due to the lack of segregation between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles,” he stated.
“But today all that will change,” Cllr O’Callaghan said.
“From this evening tailbacks will hopefully be a thing of the past, and journey times will be significantly reduced, enhancing connectivity and convenience for all,” he added.
Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council Councillor Declan Burgess said, the completion of the Brian Ború bridge is a historic day for the people of Ballina and Killaloe.
“There can be no stronger symbol of the connection between the twin towns than Brian Ború, celebrated equally on both sides of the river,” he said.
“The finished scheme will remove traffic from the towns and allow them to fulfil their potential for both the existing residents and the many tourists that will be attracted to the area. This is a proud day for all of the people of Clare and Tipperary, and the twin towns can look forward to a bright future together,” he added.
