Garrycastle Bridge construction to start by end of year

Construction work on the realignment of Garrycastle Bridge is to begin by the end of the year, it was revealed this week. Fine Gael Cllr Alan Shaw raised the issue at the September meeting of the council, asking the executive for an update regarding the tendering process for the long-awaited realignment and a date for commencement of construction. The council informed councillors that it is hoped the realignment of the bridge can begin before the end of the year. The executive advised that the second phase of procurement is underway and the closing date for the submission of tenders is September 22. After this date, the tenders will be assessed and approval from the Department of Transport to appoint a contractor will be sought. Speaking after the meeting Cllr Shaw said he was satisfied with the response and the fact that timelines previously outlined were being maintained. "Information from the Department of Transport also suggests that they continue to be very supportive of the project and as it is the number one priority road project with Westmeath County Council, we can be confident that commencement of construction will happen before the end of 2012," said Cllr Shaw. The news will be a huge relief to motorists, particularly with the return of school traffic using the bridge. It also promises to bring an end to a project that has been in the planning stage since as early as 2003.