East link toll bridge 20 years old today

Dublin's East-Link toll bridge, connecting the city's north and south sides, is 20 years in operation today.

Dublin's East-Link toll bridge, connecting the city's north and south sides, is 20 years in operation today.

The bridge which was opened in 1984, by the then Taoiseach, Dr Garret Fitzgerarld, was Ireland's first toll bridge and first partnership project between National Toll Roads, Dublin Port and Dublin City Council.

Since then, some 120 million customers have used the toll facility, according to NTR.

Speaking on the 20 thanniversary of the bridge's opening today, the Minister for Transport, Mr  Cullen, said the east link bridge project shows how investing in infrastructure benefits the daily lives of thousands of people. - from the many people that cross it to enjoy an evening at the Point Theatre.

READ MORE

He said it has led to the entire regeneration of Dublin Port, to developments in Spencer Dock and the north quays including the Point and the Irish Financial Services Centre.

Mr Cullen unveiled a plaque to commemorate the anniversary and honour the vision of the founder of NTR plc. Mr Tom C Roche who died in 1999.

Meanwhile, figures published today for West-link traffic (third quarter 2004) show that between July and September this year, traffic at West-Link increased by 10%, with daily traffic in excess of 100,000 on busy Fridays.

There was also an increase in the number of Eazy Pass customers to 63,000, according to NTR.