The final phase of the Ennis Bypass opened today. Thousands of motorists will now benefit from the completed €205 million project, which is anticipated to carry up to 10,000 cars each day. Residents of Clarecastle can now also look forward to the end of traffic congestion through the village.
Clare County Council had previously suggested that the final section of the bypass would not be opened until after Christmas. However, The Clare Herald has learned that the contractor involved has made every effort to complete the project ahead of the busy festive period. GAMA Construction recently laid a large pipe across the River Fergus, allowing it to complete work on the bypass.
The opening comes eight months after the scheme was due to be completed in April. Already, two sections, the eastern bypass and the Western Relief Road, were opened last January and June. The remaining sections are the Killow inter-change east of Clarecastle and the exit onto the Tulla Road.
The opening comes eight months after the scheme was due to be completed in April. Already, two sections, the eastern bypass and the Western Relief Road, were opened last January and June. The remaining sections are the Killow inter-change east of Clarecastle and the exit onto the Tulla Road.
The Ennis Bypass project is funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union, under the National Development Plan 2000–2006. The scheme was co-financed at 85% by the Cohesion Fund of the European Union, which aims to reduce economic and social disparities among the citizens of the Union.
