Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, for coming to the House to respond to the issue I raise. As he is aware, a river crossing in a well-known scenic area of County Clare, Killaloe, connects the county with County Tipperary. We, in County Clare, try to avoid connecting with County Tipperary around Munster final time. The crossing is also one of the major gateways to east Clare from the east coast. The greater east Clare area is one of the most beautiful areas in the county and is popular with tourists. The outdated bridge at the crossing effectively causes a blockade. As the bridge has certain characteristics which prevent it from being widened, it is necessary to construct a new river crossing at Killaloe.

I am aware the Department and Clare and Tipperary county councils have engaged in discussions to find an optimum route for a new river crossing. I understand agreement has been reached and a route identified as a result of this consultation process. I ask the Department to expedite approval for the river crossing project to allow it to go to tender.

I understand Clare County Council, Tipperary North County Council and the Department have been involved in discussions to ensure the river crossing links into the new bypass which will connect Limerick to Nenagh and that a bypass will be provided for Killaloe. As it is set on the river bank, the streets of the town are narrow, giving rise to traffic congestion. It is important the construction of a new river crossing will include provision for a bypass to ensure the bottleneck is not moved from one point to another. I hope the Minister of State will seriously consider expediting the process.

I compliment the engineers in Clare County Council and Tipperary North County Council on the work they have done to get the project to its current stage. I impress on the Minister of State the great necessity to have this project delivered without delay. The current river crossing creates an encumbrance on the economic life of east Clare. Killaloe has been connected by road with Ennis due to improvements in the road network from Ogonelloe through to Scarriff. The upgrade of this road has resulted in a greater volume of traffic avoiding Limerick city. While it may not have created a rat run, it has opened up a new corridor for drivers seeking to avoid Limerick as they travel to other parts of County Clare. I cannot over-emphasise the importance of delivering this project without delay.