Athlone Chamber President says new bridge over Shannon will boosts tourism

The President of Athlone Chamber of Commerce says the opening of the new bridge over the Shannon in the coming weeks should be a definite gain for tourism.

Work on the pedestrian and cycle bridge began last year and finishing touches are currently being put on the structure.

The cost of the project which includes two boardwalks on either side of the structure to link it to the river banks is over €13 million euro.

It's hoped the new bridge will be open to the public by the end of April.

Alan Shaw from Athlone Chamber says it will literally give visitors and residents a "different view" of the town.