THE LONG-awaited new bridge over the River Shannon, connecting Killaloe and Ballina, was officially opened this Thursday afternoon (May 22).
The €88million project, which has been on the cards for nearly two decades, was officially opened by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien.
The bridge is named after the last High King of Ireland, Brian Ború, whose Rath was situated on the shores of Lough Derg at Kincora 1,000 years ago when Killaloe was officially the capital of Ireland.
The remains of the royal dwelling can still be seen there today.
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.
The two local authorities had proposed closing the existing bridge in the twin towns to traffic, but this met with severe opposition from local residents and businesses.
It is now proposed that the existing bridge will be pedestrianised for a trial period, starting at the end of the summer tourism season.
The three-pronged project includes a western bypass around the town of Killaloe and a new bridge crossing the River Shannon roughly one kilometre south of the existing Killaloe Bridge.
The work was done by John Sisk and Son Ltd and took two and a half years to complete.
The new bridge has 10 viewing platforms, a pedestrian path, and cycle ways.
The new road and crossing will take through traffic and HGVs bound for Limerick, Cork, Kerry, and other parts out of both town centres.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister O’Brien said “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 inclusion of dedicated pedestrian and cycling facilities not only improves safety but also encourages more sustainable, active travel along this vital corridor,” he added.
