Last Section of Shannon Tunnel laid

Early this morning the last concrete section of the planned Shannon Tunnel was laid beneath the river Shannon in Limerick.

The massive concrete structure, weighing more than 20,000 tonnes, was slowly sunk beneath the river in a pre-dredged channel. This marks a significant step in the construction of the prestigious € 500 million infrastructure improvement.

When finished, the tunnel will be 915 metres long and one of the largest projects in the west of Ireland.

It will also complete the Limerick south ring road project, which will give Limerick its fourth river crossing, linking the city's dock road with the dual carriageway leading to Shannon and Ennis.

The four-year project is due to be completed in 2010.