The transformative €88m Killaloe Bypass road project has officially been opened by Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien.

The 6.2km development, located in the vicinity of the twin towns of Killaloe, Co Clare and Ballina, Co Tipperary, includes the first new vehicular bridge across the River Shannon in more than three decades.

The bridge, known as the Brian Ború Bridge, was a complex engineering feat for those involved in the project that took 2.5 years to complete.

It provides a western bypass of Killaloe and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Birdhill.

Speaking at the opening, Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said: "I am delighted to officially open this transformative road project, which strengthens the connection between communities in Clare and Tipperary. With approximately €88m million in funding allocated by my Department, this represents a significant Government investment in regional infrastructure and underscores our ongoing commitment to investing in and modernising Ireland's road network.

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"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."

The scheme will greatly improve the quality of life for residents of both towns. The alternative route will take through traffic and HGVs out of both town centres, thereby significantly reducing congestion, protecting both heritage areas, and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy and the region’s tourism sector.

The project was listed in the National Development Plan and comprises:

• Two km of new single carriageway bypass around the town of Killaloe which connects the R463 to the north of the town with the Brian Ború Bridge section and R494 to the south of the town;

• A new single carriageway bridge named in honour of Brian Ború crossing over the River Shannon approximately 1km south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and connecting the Killaloe Bypass with the R494;

• The upgrade and realignment of approximately 3.3 kilometres of the existing R494 from its junction with the R496 and Brian Ború Bridge south of Ballina, as far as the junction with the R445 (previously known as N7) north of Birdhill, and the M7 link road;

• Provision of dedicated, high quality new cycling and pedestrian facilities along the approximately 6.2km length of road development;

• The new Brian Ború bridge over the Shannon at Ballina-Killaloe is the first new vehicular bridge across the river since the opening of Shannon Way Bridge in 1991, which connects Athlone Westmeath County Council to the east and Roscommon County Council to the west.

Photo credit: Paul Corey.