A long-awaited second crossing of the River Suir in Waterford city moved a step closer yesterday as it was confirmed that An Bord Pleanála has rejected local objections and approved compulsory purchase orders for the route.
Several conditions have been attached to the decision by the board, which clears the way for the tendering process to continue.
Details of the move were confirmed to city councillors at a planning meeting last evening.
The second bridge, which will be located a mile north of the existing Rice Bridge, will link Grannagh, Co Kilkenny with Gracedieu, Waterford, and feature a main support pylon 80-100 metres high.
The bridge will form part of the €180 million N25 Waterford City bypass linking Slieverue, Co Kilkenny with Kilmeaden, Co Waterford.
The toll road will feature 23 kilometres of dual carriageway and 14 kilometres of single carriageway.
The National Roads Authority has shortlisted two competing consortiums, one of which is expected to be selected to build and operate the toll road.
Local Fianna Fáil Senator Brendan Kenneally welcomed the Bord Pleanála decision.
He said it was a further step towards work beginning on what he termed a vital roads project designed to ease traditional bottlenecks.