A major step was made yesterday towards the provision of a new bridge across the Shannon, aimed at alleviating the daily gridlock on the historic bridge linking Killaloe and Ballina.
This follows Clare County Council publishing the Shannon Bridge Crossing Constraints Study report, which sets out the parameters within which the new bridge will be built south of the two heritage towns.
The publication of the study is seen as an important step in identifying a route for the bridge - and ultimately towards its construction.
While both Clare County Council and North Tipperary County Council are currently in the process of installing a €200,000 traffic system for the existing 18th century bridge, the move is a short-term measure that will not do anything to ease the traffic volumes.
With the publication of the constraints study, the council's consultants are now to proceed with the route selection report which will be ready in August.
Following that, phase four will involve the preliminary design of the bridge and the publication of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Phase five will then involve the preparation, tender and award of the contract, with the sixth phase being construction.
Already, the provision of the upgrading of the existing bridge or the provision of a new bridge has been the focus of three separate reports over the past 10 years, In 2003, the Ballina/Killaloe Traffic Management Strategy Feasibility Report was published; in 2000, the Killaloe Bridge Widening: Environmental Impact Assessment was published; while a feasibility report on the Killaloe bridge widening was published in 1996.
Identifying the environmental constraints in selecting a new bridge and road, the study states: "The Study Area as a whole, and the river Shannon and its associated marginal habitats in particular, are considered to be environmentally sensitive, and of relatively high conservation value in a national context.
"These constraints in addition to other constraints and other constraints relating to cultural heritage, archaeology, leisure, recreation and general environmental factors have been identified in this study."
The report also includes concerns from the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board regarding the possible siting of a bridge near O'Brien's bridge.
The board stated: "We would have serious concerns about the imposition of a bridge on this fishery and would request much more detailed information as to the likely location and bridge type if a location in this area is to be selected. The introduction of a bridge in this area would seriously impair the angling potential of the area."
