Russia's war impacts on road/bridge scheme at Ballina-Killaloe

Supply chains to contractor affected by Russia’s war

The disruption to supplies of materials that has resulted from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia more than four months ago has now become an issue for a major road and bridge scheme in this area.

The commencement of work on the major upgrade scheme on the R494 Birdhill to Ballina road and the construction of a new crossing of the Shannon at Ballina has been impinged upon now by the war situation, which has erupted since the awarding of the contract for the €44m scheme.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council, the lead authority for the scheme has confirmed that “supply chain issues” are currently under discussion with the contractor to clear the way for work to commence on the major scheme.

It is now approaching a quarter of a century since the plans were initially discussed for a new crossing of the Shannon at Ballina-Killaloe to alleviate the traffic congestion that has existed at the location for decades during peak times of the day and at weekends.

Following a prolonged process, the major upgrade of the R494 from the Birdhill roundabout to the crossing point of the new bridge at Ballina, the erection of a new bridge on the Birdhill side of Ballina and a bypass of Killaloe was designed and the land and property to facilitate the route acquired.

Following the planning procedure and an oral hearing, the tender prior information for the work was published in December 2019 and the design was substantially completed in the second quarter of 2020.

Tenders for the works contract were received in November 2021 and following on approval by the Department of Transport was granted in December 2021 to award the works contract to the recommended successful tenderer for the works, John Sisk & Sons (Holdings) Ltd.

The works contract was awarded on February 16, 2022 to John Sisk & Sons (Holdings) Ltd.

A minor works contract for site clearance and laying a section of sewer was completed last year.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council has confirmed that the works contract was due to commence on March 16, 2022 with the scheme to take approximately three years to complete.

He explained: “The contractor is currently sorting out supply chain issues, which have arisen as a consequence primarily of the war in Ukraine, and is in discussions with Clare Co Co as the lead authority.”