A new bridge over the River Shannon, which will form part of the 6.2km Killaloe Bypass road project, connecting Killaloe, Co. Clare with Ballina Co. Tipperary, has been officially opened today.
The new structure has been named the ‘Brian Ború Bridge’, latter the name of a 73 year old ancient Munster High King of Ireland (941-1014). Ború was killed at the Battle of Clontarf, by a fleeing defeated Viking, named ‘Brodar’, who supposedly came upon the old king while he was in his tent praying during the battle.
Taking two and a half years to complete at a cost of some €88 million; the construction of the bridge was carried out by John Sisk and Son Ltd, who were awarded the contract by Clare and Tipperary County Councils.
The need for this bridge/bypass had been evident for many years and will, from today, remove congested traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, out of the two tourist town centres, positioned either side of the River Shannon, thus providing a needed boost to the tourism sector in that area.
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