McNamara reacts to Shannon Crossing funding

Independent Clare T.D. Michael McNamara says the announcement of funding totalling €11.8m towards the proposed Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme brings the long sought-after infrastructure project closer to being realised.

Deputy McNamara says the funding announcement marks the first of three allocations expected over the next two years in relation to the €44m project.

“Following Ministerial approval in December, Clare County Council’s Project Management Office announced, it would be progressing with the appointment of the Main Works Contractor, John Sisk & Sons (Holdings) Ltd., “commented the East Clare T.D. “I welcome the local authority’s confirmation that a Letter of Acceptance will be issued in the coming week or so and that commencement of this significant infrastructural project is expected to progress on site in early spring 2022.”

“The benefits of this infrastructure project for the local economy and tourism sector of the wider region cannot be understated,” added Deputy McNamara. “There have been many false dawns in recent decades regarding the Shannon Bridge Crossing but this funding allocation along with the appointment of a contractor represents a milestone moment for the people of Ballina and Killaloe and the surrounding Lough Derg hinterland in Clare and Tipperary.”