*PICTURED: Declan Burgess, Cathaoirleach, Tipperary County Council and Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, pictured with Fiadh Kenny of Convent Primary School and Alex Short of Killaloe Boys National School at the official opening of the Killaloe Bypass road project. Photo by Brian Arthur
THE Brian Boru Bridge has been opened, offering a new link between the communities of Killaloe and Ballina.
The bridge was officially opened by Minister of Transport Darragh O’Brien (FF) on Thursday last.
A who’s who of elected representatives attended the opening including Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Michael Lowry TD (IND), Cathal Crowe TD (FF), Cllr. Shane Talty (FF), Cllr. Dinny Gould (IND), Joe Cooney TD (FG), Cllr. Pat Burke (FG), Timmy Dooley TD (FF) and Alan Kelly (LAB) as well as a wealth of Tipperary politicians.
Emceeing the event was Alan Farrell, Director of Physical Development for Clare County Council. Introducing proceedings, Farrell spoke about how “The bridge, named after Brian Boru, reflects both our heritage and our ambition. It will ease congestion, improve safety and enhance connectivity for generations to come. We look forward to the many ways this project will support the continued growth of Killaloe, Ballina, Clare, Tipperary and the wider region”.
Taking to the platform that was erected on the bridge, Cathaoirleach Alan O’Callaghan joked “I suppose I feel more like the Pope here now then I do the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, we were waiting a long time for white smoke in this area”.
“There’s no boundaries when it comes to something like this, even though we’re out of the hurling now in Clare”, he continued.
Addressing Minister O’Brien the Fianna Fáil cllr. stated “Your presence has indicated just how important the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 improvement scheme is not just to the region but to the country as a whole. It is a great pleasure for me to stand before you today to celebrate the official opening. The need of this bridge and bypass has been evident for many years, congestion on both sides of the river led to long tailbacks. But today, all will change for this evening, tailbacks will fully be a thing of the past. We anticipate a reduction in traffic volumes to the towns of Killaloe and Ballina and the removal of heavy vehicles. Journey time significantly reduced enhancing connectivity and convenience for one and all”.
Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Declan Burgess (FG) also spoke at the opening. “There can be no stronger symbol of the connection between the twin towns than Brian Boru, celebrated equally on both sides of the river”, said Burgess.
“An early example of this area’s potential to produce superstars, and there is no better symbol of the lasting connection between the towns of Ballina and Killaloe. The completion of this scheme is yet another powerful example of what can be achieved when the people of Tipperary and Clare work together, and I believe the bridge can be a lasting monument to the friendship between the twin towns”, he continued.
Minister of Transport Darragh O’Brien said that the new infrastructure would help to strengthen the communities of Killaloe and Ballina and that the Brian Boru Bridge would improve connectivity between the two Munster counties. The minister noted the importance of the bridge in road safety, saying “The completion of the Killaloe Bypass will significantly enhance safety and efficiency for all road users”.
O’Brien thanked the multitude of politicians in attendance, saying “All of these men and women here have worked incredibly hard to advocate for you, may here former cllrs, former TDs, and former chief executives. Success has many mothers and fathers because it’s everyone working together. It’s an 88 million euro investment in our communities here. Long overdue, I’m aware but we’ve got to this day here today, nearly a month ahead of schedule.
Following this, Minster O’Brien and other representatives unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening of the bridge and cut the ribbon on the Tipperary side of the Shannon.
