04/03/2010 - €500,000 for Ballina-Killaloe bridge project - Máire Hoctor TD

An allocation of €500,000 has been welcomed by local TD Máire Hoctor for advancing the Ballina- Killaloe bridge project to the next stage.

Deputy Hoctor, in welcoming this announcement by'her colleague Minister Noel Dempsey has stated that with much of the preliminary works carried out in relation to design that this allocation a significant step towards the compulsory acquisition of lands.

In advancing  towards CPO stage, this indicates a clear Government commitment to approve the respective County Councils to purchase the necessary lands on the selected route according to the local Deputy.

'This funding demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Government to continue to provide critical infrastructure in areas such as Ballina and Killaloe, where an alternative river crossing across the Shannon is essential, 'says Deputy Hoctor.

'This new crossing will serve as the gateway to the west which will contribute significantly to the future development of tourism in the lake shore hinterland of Lough Derg', she adds.

'At present, the two towns are served by a historic bridge which is under pressure to sustain extreme volumes of heavy traffic, for which it was never constructed,' adds the local Deputy.

'The partnership approach of both North Tipperary Co. Council and Clare Co. Council is to be commended , bringing the project to this advanced stage, ' concludes Deputy Hoctor.

ENDS