Minister O’Brien opens transformative Killaloe Bypass road project to boost heritage towns and local economy in Shannon region

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, has today officially opened the Killaloe Bypass road project, a transformative 6.2km development which includes the first new vehicular bridge across the Shannon in more than three decades.
The project is located in the vicinity of the twin towns of Killaloe, Co Clare and Ballina, Co Tipperary, on opposite sides of the River Shannon.
It provides a western bypass of Killaloe, the first new vehicular bridge crossing over the Shannon since 1991, and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Birdhill.
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. The initial overall cost estimate for the scheme was approximately €88 million.
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:

• 2km 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.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister 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.
“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.”
Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, said: “The opening of the Brian Ború bridge is a positive and welcome development for all in the area, particularly local communities in Clare and Tipperary. Infrastructure plays a vital role in connecting rural communities and enhancing safety for all road users. The bridge will also reduce congestion and redirect heavy traffic out of the town centre, making the area even more attractive to visitors from Ireland and across the world.”
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Alan O’Callaghan said: “The need for this bridge and bypass has been evident for many years. Congestion on both sides of the river led to long tailbacks causing significant pollution and poor air quality from standing traffic. The daily frustration from 7,000 vehicles a day crossing the old single lane bridge cannot be overestimated, with road safety also an issue due to the lack of segregation between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. But today all that will change. From this evening tail backs will hopefully be a thing of the past, and journey times will be significantly reduced, enhancing connectivity and convenience for all.”
Chief Executive Clare County Council Gordon Daly said: “This project is not just a dividend for the twin communities of Killaloe and Ballina, nor is it just a road and bridge; it will be a catalyst for social and economic development. By improving accessibility for our rural towns and villages in the hinterland, we are opening up new opportunities for development and prosperity enabling investment, tourism and population growth.”
Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council Cllr Declan Burgess said: “The completion of the Brian Ború bridge is a historic day for the people of Ballina and Killaloe. There can be no stronger symbol of the connection between the twin towns than Brian Ború, celebrated equally on both sides of the river. The finished scheme will remove traffic from the towns and allow them to fulfil their potential for both the existing residents and the many tourists that will be attracted to the area. This is a proud day for all of the people of Clare and Tipperary, and the twin towns can look forward to a bright future together.”
Chief Executive Tipperary County Council Sinéad Carr said: “The opening of the bridge today is the final step in a long process to deliver the much needed bypass and the improvements to the roads leading to Ballina and Killaloe. We have been fortunate to have a great Contractor in Sisk, along with RPS Consulting Engineers, who designed and supervised the construction with assistance from Local Authority staff in the Project Delivery Office. The scheme could not have been delivered without the co-operation of the local communities in both towns and I want to thank them for their patience and understanding as they tolerated the disruption that came with the construction. I am sure that everyone can agree that any inconvenience was well worth it now that we have the finished product in place.”