BY FRANK FARRAGHER

AN allocation of €400,000 confirmed yesterday for a consultant’s report on Wolfe Tone Bridge, could clear the way for a new crossing of the River Corrib, just south of the current structure, the Sentinel has learned.

Galway City Council has confirmed that the report, to be carried out later this year, will look at the possibility of constructing a new bridge for vehicular traffic, on the bay side of the existing structure.

“Given the age of the current structure, we have to look at plans for the construction of a new bridge and the retention of the existing crossing as part of a walkway over the Corrib.

“There is no doubt that such a walkway, as part as an overall regeneration plan for the area, would be a most welcome addition to the amenity infrastructure of this historic part of the city,” said City Council Director of Services, Ciarán Hayes.

The €400,000 allocation for the commissioning of the report was confirmed yesterday in the National Roads Authority and Dept. of Environment budget for regional and local roads in 2012.

Over the coming weeks, the City Council will be drawing up the terms of reference for the consultant’s report, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel