A major infrastructure project to develop an exciting new bypass in County Clare has officially begun construction.

The new Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme will provide a western bypass around Killaloe, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to Birdhill.

The entire scheme is over 6km in length and will cross the River Shannon approximately 1km downstream of the existing Killaloe Bridge.

The Project Team is led by Clare County Council and consists of Tipperary County Council, the Department of Transport and scheme consultants and RPS Consulting Engineers. Contractor John Sisk & Son was appointed earlier this year, with the works expected to take up to three years to complete.

Speaking as he turned the sod on the new project, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: "I am very pleased to be here today to turn the sod on what is a major infrastructural project of strategic importance to the Mid-West region. The scheme when complete is set to have many benefits, including safer roads and less town centre congestion, smarter travel with the delivery of dedicated pedestrian and cycle network along the entire scheme, safer access to public transport, and the promotion of safe walking and cycling to work, schools and to both town centres."

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Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O'Brien, commented: "This is a momentous day for Killaloe and Ballina, for the counties of Clare and Tipperary, and for 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. As Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and an Elected Member of the Killaloe Municipal District, it gives me great encouragement for the future development of the area to see construction get underway."

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, added: "I am delighted to see the sod being turned on this vital infrastructural project by the Minister, as the inadequacy of the existing route has been recognised for many years. With our colleagues in Tipperary County Council we have exciting plans for the linked settlements of Killaloe and Ballina, as outlined in the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan, and this infrastructural project is a major piece of the jigsaw for the future development and enhancement of the towns. This is a wonderful place to live, work and visit, and the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme will enhance the area as a location for residents, businesses and tourists. I would like to commend the Project Team and I look forward to the completion of the project."

A new plan for the future of the twin towns of Killaloe-Ballina was approved by Clare and Tipperary County Councils at their December 2021 meetings and took effect from January 2022.

The Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan aims to facilitate a co-ordinated approach to public realm enhancements within Killaloe in County Clare and Ballina in County Tipperary, providing a clear vision for Killaloe and Ballina as linked settlements.

The plan provides opportunities to capitalise on the towns' assets to collectively expand the tourism product, attract increased visitor numbers and maximise local economic benefits.

The Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme is central to future developments in the linked settlements.