Bridging a longstanding concern

CONSTRUCTION work has commenced on the provision of a new €400,000 pedestrian and cycle bridge over the railway track, adjacent to the bridge on the Quin Road in Ennis.
A contract has been awarded to L&M Keating Ltd., Building & Civil Engineering Contractors from Kilmihil, and the €400,000 project consists of the construction of the new bridge over the Ennis to Athenry railway line, adjacent to the existing masonry arch bridge on the Quin Road, immediately to the north of Ennis Railway Station. 
It includes four ramps at each end and connection to the existing public footpaths, while public lighting facilities will also be provided along the entire length of the new structure. It is expected the works will be completed by late May.
The commencement of work has been welcomed by the Mayors of Ennis and Clare.
Speaking after a visit to the site of the new bridge, Mayor of Ennis Councillor Peter Considine stated, “This bridge will be of very significant benefit to the substantially increased residential population in the area and to the many retail and other business outlets which have developed in the vicinity of the Quin Road over the past 15 to 20 years. Completion of the project will significantly improve access for pedestrians and cyclists in a safe manner at this very busy location.”
Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Daly complimented Clare Local Authorities for their efforts in bringing the long sought-after project to fruition.
“The project represents a major investment by the council at a time when finances are constrained. It represents a further development of smarter travel initiatives throughout the town, which include the provision of street lighting on the link road from Clareabbey Roundabout to the Lahinch Road and the extension of our network of pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes throughout the county,” added Mayor Daly.
According to senior engineer Tom Tiernan, the existing Quin Road Bridge has no designated pedestrian or cycle facilities.
“The new bridge will alleviate this difficulty, which has been a considerable source of concern over the past number of years.
“The project has been made possible by the support and co-operation of Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Safety Commission,” he added.