The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
MAJOR benefits will flow from the completion of the new River Shannon Crossing and associated infrastructure, according to Clare County Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling.
Mr Dowling admitted the inadequacy of the existing route has been a source of frustration and debate over many years.
“Today is a landmark event, signalling the exciting new future that such infrastructure will bring about. This project also brings economic, social and community benefits.
With the two councils developing the new Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan (KBTEMP), he said this sets out ambitious plans inspired by the common goal of “two towns, one
community”.
He predicted the new infrastructure would enhance the area as a location for residents, businesses and tourists facilitating local, regional and national development for future years.
Some of the benefits include safer roads and less town congestion, an alternative route to take through traffic and heavy goods vehicles out of both town centres, facilitate public realm projects in the two centres, support smarter traffic with a dedicated pedestrian and cycle network along the entire scheme, improve social inclusion, safer access to public transport and the Birdhill train station.
“It will promote safe walking and cycling to work, schools and both town centres. It will protect the history and heritage of the current bridge.”
He thanked senior engineer for the project management office, Seán Lenihan and his colleagues for their resilience and perseverance.
Council chairman, Councillor Tony O’Brien described the official sod turning as a “momentous day” for Killaloe and Ballina, for Clare, Tipperary, and 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. It gives me great encouragement for the future development of the area to see construction get underway.”
As a native of Killaloe, he said it gave him great pleasure to welcome everyone to the town.
Led by Clare County Council working in cooperation with Tipperary County Council, RPS and the Department of Transport, Councillor O’Brien said officials have all been working to deliver this significantly piece of infrastructure in recent years.
The first citizen thanked people in the local community who have championed this project over a long number of years, some of whom who have gone to their eternal reward and were looking down saying “well done to all”.
He pointed out the inclusion of the Killaloe Bypass and the widening of the Ballina to Birdhill road would make this project viable for the entire region.
“This new infrastructure will have significant benefits for the residents, businesses and visitors throughout the Mid-West,” he said.
He added this project would also provide a spine to develop public realm projects identified in the new KBTEMP.
Tipperary County Council chairman, Councillor Roger Kennedy predicted this project would open up further East Clare and North West Tipperary to international and national tourism because it really complements the investment in the Lough Derg region as a major attraction in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Councillor Joe Cooney paid tribute to all the organisations, two councils, residents, businesses, Oireachtas members and land owners over the years to achieve the commencement of this project.
“All commuters are well aware of the serious traffic congestion that is experienced at certain times travelling through Killaloe, Ballina and the catchment area.
“I believe this major piece of infrastructure when completed will be a major boost for employment and the development of the Mid-West, East Clare and Clare.”
