Sisk has done it again with its successful delivery of the Brian Boru Bridge which links the Shannonside towns of Killaloe and Ballina. It was one of the big winners at the Irish Concrete Society’s 43rd Annual Awards and also claimed honours at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards.
Winner of the highly-competitive infrastructure category at the Irish Concrete Society’s 43rd Annual Awards, the project – which took two-and-a-half years to complete – was recognised for its engineering complexity, innovative use of precast and in-suit concrete, and the precision required to deliver such a technically demanding project in a sensitive marine environment. The bridge was part of the Killaloe Bypass, for which Sisk was the main contractor.
The Awards are adjudicated by a distinguished, independent jury of professionals who said of the Brian Boru Bridge, which is named in honour of the legendary High King of Ireland who was born near Killaloe over a thousand years ago: “This outstanding project exemplifies excellence in concrete engineering, build complexity, innovation and collaboration. Delivered ahead of programme within a highly-sensitive environmental setting.
“The project is distinguished by its refined architectural expression and structurally showcases the versatility and performance of concrete through an exceptional combination of bespoke precast and in-situ solutions. Innovative precast pile cap caissons, specialist underwater concreting, and sculpted in-situ piers with integrated viewing balconies were delivered with superior precision, while overcoming the practical challenges of constructing in a marine setting and area of conservation.
“The bridge piers are particularly noteworthy due to their complex geometry, incorporating curved forms, cast-in structural steel nodes, and cantilevered viewing balconies, requiring a hybrid approach to formwork and meticulous attention to detail. The inclusion of 10 cantilevered viewing balconies transforms the bridge from a purely functional asset into a civic landmark, encouraging public engagement with the river and surrounding landscape.”
The adjudicators added: “The Brian Boru Bridge is a worthy winner and the jury commends the project team for delivering a technically challenging, visually striking and environmentally responsible piece of infrastructure that creates a landmark crossing of the River Shannon and represents the very best of concrete innovation in modern civil engineering.”
Not to be undone, the project then won big at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards which were held at the end of May, scooping the prestigious Civil Engineering Award in the €20m to €50m category.
The award-winning project was delivered by Sisk in collaboration with architect Powell-Williams, project engineer RPS and main suppliers Banagher Precast Concrete and O’Connell Quarries for clients Clare County Council, Tipperary County Council and the Department of Transport.
The €88m, 6.2km Killaloe Bypass has already improved the quality of life for residents of both Killaloe and Ballina. The alternative route takes through traffic and HGVs out of both town centres, thereby significantly reducing congestion, protecting both heritage areas, and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy and the region’s tourism sector.
Commenting on the project, Sisk COO for Ireland and the UK Steven McGee said: “Sisk is delighted to have completed this vital new infrastructure improvement project which is a significant upgrade to the current roads network in both Co. Clare and Co. Tipperary.
“Connectivity has been enhanced through the construction of the western bypass for Killaloe / Ballina, a new bridge crossing over the River Shannon, and the upgrade of the existing R494 regional road. This project is an excellent example of real collaboration between our client, site team, plus our in-house engineering services team and key supply chain partners.”
Sisk is synonymous with excellence and quality, guided by its values of care, integrity and excellence. Founded in 1859, the main contractor has grown from a small local builder into an international construction company. Five generations later, Sisk remains a private family-owned business, employing 1,500 people in Ireland and over 5,000 supply chain partners across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Among its key personnel are Regional Director John O’Connor and Senior Project Manager Mark Ryan, who were directly involved with the Killaloe Bypass scheme.
Sisk is proud to have played a key role in the development of modern Ireland and continues to lead some of the most iconic building projects as well as delivering homes and major road and rail infrastructure projects. The company trusts in the skills and vision of its people to drive a relentless spirit of innovation, and to care about how it builds and what it leaves behind, so you can too.
What makes Sisk stand out is its belief in real client collaboration and driving value in every project without any compromises on safety. The main contractor works extensively with the FDI sector across Data and Technology, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences as well as Infrastructure, Transportation, Healthcare, Commercial, Residential, Retail, Industrial, Leisure, Education and Energy.
Sisk promotes safety, welfare, training, non-discrimination and charity to support confidence and morale across a healthy diverse community. It is acutely aware of the impacts of construction projects on the local environment and engages with all stakeholders, including the local community, clients, end-user groups, regulatory and professional bodies at an early stage as part of the project design, and throughout construction.
The company’s contribution to social progress ranges from its inclusive recruitment and career development opportunities, safety system, training and recruitment of apprentices, donations of time and finance to charitable causes, providing training to local schools, providing local employment and trade, and supporting local community organisations.
Sisk is active in Ireland, the UK and several countries across Europe, including Sweden, Holland, Denmark and Croatia. One of the construction sector’s social highlights each year are the John Sisk & Son Supply Chain Awards, which recognise excellence among the company’s supply chain partners across Ireland and Europe, and show appreciation for all the great work done together.
Sisk spends over €1b annually across its supply chain of almost 8,000 companies. Over 70 sub-contractors and suppliers are shortlisted for awards, being nominated by each of Sisk’s business units and procurement respectively. Each business unit then selects its ‘Best Supply Chain Partner of the Year’ from the proposed shortlist following a thorough evaluation process.
Sisk (John Sisk & Son)
Dublin Head Office:
3007 Lake Drive,
Citywest,
Dublin 24,
D24 N2HR.
Telephone: +353 (0)1 409 1500
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.sisk.com
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, August 2026, Vol 12 No 8
featured, Sisk (John Sisk & Son)
