John Sisk & Son has been named as the main contractor for the new Killaloe Bypass. Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD recently turned the sod for the new Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme.

The project 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, led by Clare County Council and consisting of Tipperary County Council, the Department of Transport and scheme consultants, RPS Consulting Engineers, have been progressing the delivery of this significant piece of infrastructure for the Mid-West region over the past number of years.

The scheme consists of three sections as follows:

Killaloe Bypass: This part of the scheme aims to create a western bypass around the town of Killaloe which will connect the R463 to the north of the town with the proposed Shannon Bridge Crossing section and R463 to the south of the town.

Shannon Bridge Crossing: This section of the scheme will cross the River Shannon approximately 1km south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will connect the proposed Killaloe Bypass with the R494 at a new roundabout at Roolagh.

R494 Upgrade: This section will involve widening, regrading and local realignment of the R494 from the aforementioned new roundabout at Roolagh to its junction with the R445 (former N7) north of Birdhill.

The recent sod turning followed the formal contract signing for the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme between Clare County Council and Sisk.

John O’Connor, Regional Director, John Sisk & Son, said: “Sisk is delighted to be selected as the main contractor for this vital new infrastructure improvement project which, when complete, will significantly upgrade the current roads network in both County Clare and County Tipperary. Sisk has considerable experience delivering similar schemes at this scale. We look forward to working with both Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council on this important project that will have a positive impact on the locality, improving connectivity through the provision of a western bypass of Killaloe/Ballina, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the R445 at Birdhill.”

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, said: “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.”