Oral hearing on Killaloe bypass planned

LANDOWNERS and householders in Killaloe and Ballina, who are affected by a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to facilitate a new bridge crossing and roads costing over €40.6 million, will be given an opportunity to outline their concerns at an oral hearing.

 

An Bord Pleanála has decided to hold an oral hearing into a new Killaloe bypass and upgrading of the Ballina to Birdhill regional road at the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh on September 4 at 11am.

Two local authorities have applied to An Bord Pleanála to compulsorily purchase large tracts of land for a new Shannon River Crossing linking Killaloe and Ballina, which could deliver an estimated €63m boost to the local economy between construction and savings on journey times.

Environment Minister Leo Varadkar has approved the publication of the statutory orders by Clare County Council for the construction of the Killaloe bypass (€11.93m), the Shannon Bridge Crossing (€12m) and upgrading works costing €16.6m on the existing regional road linking Ballina and Birdhill.

However, the new river crossing will result in the loss of house curtilage for numerous residents in Killaloe and Ballina; agricultural land for landowners; 0.034 hectares of land at St Anne’s Community College, Clarisford, Killaloe; portions of public roads; forestry and commercial land.

Clare County Council, on its own behalf and on behalf of North Tipperary County Council, has issued an order for the compulsory acquisition of land for the Killaloe bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and upgrading of the R494 Ballina to Birdhill Road. The proposed road development is classed as strategic infrastructure development under the Planning Acts.

If confirmed, the order will allow the local authority to compulsorily buy land in the townlands of Ballyvally, Knockclovaun, Creeveroe, Shantraud, Killestry and Moy in Clare and Roolagh, Kilmaglasderry, Garrynatineel, Lackenavea, Knockadromin, Coolnadornory and Gortybrigane in Tipperary, together with link roads, side roads and all ancillary and consequential works associated therewith. Owners, lessees and occupiers of the land will receive individual written notice.

The order will also allow the authority to extinguish public rights of way after they have acquired the land.

Roughan and O’Donovan, Consulting Engineers, have prepared a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on behalf of Clare and North Tipperary county councils.

According to the EIS, once the new route is operational, residents and visitors will experience reduced travel times and safer driving conditions along the length of the proposed scheme.

This will arise from the journeys availing of the bypass and bridge crossing, compared to journeys through the towns and over the existing bridge.

“Removal of heavy goods vehicle traffic from the route over the existing bridge will greatly improve the journey times and safety issues currently managed through the one-way separated traffic signal system.

“Travel through Ballina and Killaloe for local trips will also improve by reduced traffic demand at the traffic signals on the bridge. These are considered as significant positive impacts,” the EIS stated.
However, a disabled pensioner has revealed he has turned into a “nervous wreck” amid fears his house will be rendered inhabitable by the proposed crossing.

John Young, who lives at the junction of the Ballina to Birdhill and Nenagh road, said he is fearful he will be forced to leave his house if local authorities proceed to compulsorily purchase large portions of his front and back gardens.

The 74-year-old, whose mobility is severely restricted following a recent operation, requires a walker or wheelchair to move around the bungalow he acquired about 18 years ago.

Mr Young is worried he will not be able to access his house if all the land, which is subject to a CPO, is taken for the new road network.

Clare County Council previously explained it would not be possible for the council or Roughan and O’Donovan, Consulting Engineers to engage with the public in respect of this project during the course of the presently ongoing formal Public Consultation Process.

This is to ensure that everyone affected by the project is treated equitably and to protect the integrity of the process.