An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for a new bridge across the Shannon in Athlone.
The 104m pedestrian and cycleway bridge will form a key part of the planned Galway to Dublin Cycleway, Ireland’s first ever dedicated inter-city route for cyclists and walkers.
Roughan & O'Donovan, in partnership with Sean Harrington Architects, developed the design of the slender, low-level, elliptical, two-span bridge.
An oral hearing took place in August and permission was granted to Westmeath County Council in early November.
Roughan & O'Donovan's Hugh O'Sullivan, who led the defence of the scheme at the oral hearing, welcomed the decision, saying:
The cycleway will herald a new era of long-distance cycle commuting in Ireland, with the bike as the answer to traffic and environmental problems.
