*Killaloe Bridge.
A ONE-WAY system as opposed to full-pedestrianisation is required for Killaloe Bridge according to an elected representative for the East Clare town.
From Monday, a trial pedestrianisation period commences for the Killaloe to Ballina Bridge and runs until Friday October 17th.
Senior planner and Killaloe Municipal District co-ordinator, Brian McCarthy said the trial “follows significant public engagement” in the neighbouring border towns.
Its introduction “aims to pilot a more pedestrian, cyclist and family friendly route and space on the existing bridge between Killaloe and Ballina. The trial will also enable further detail and evidence of traffic flows and pedestrian movements between the towns to be gathered, and for the social, economic and tourism benefits to be measured,” he explained.
In a proposal before the Killaloe MD, Cllr Tony O’Brien asked “that an alternative emergency traffic management plan be outlined to the members in the event that the pedestrianisation of the old Killaloe/Ballina bridge causes congestion and major delays in Killaloe”.
McCarthy in a written reply stated, “While no significant congestion is currently anticipated as a result of the trial pedestrianisation, it is recognised that flexibility and responsiveness are essential in managing any complex traffic environment. Should unforeseen issues or delays arise, both Clare and Tipperary County Council’s, in collaboration with An Garda Síochána and the emergency services, will be in a strong position to respond quickly and effectively”.
He continued, “The existing road network, supported by the enhanced infrastructure of the new Brian Boru Bridge and Killaloe Bypass, offers multiple options for real-time traffic management, and there are well-established protocols in place for emergency coordination and public communication where required. We remain confident that, with the infrastructure now in place and ongoing inter-agency cooperation, any emerging issues can be promptly addressed to ensure the continued accessibility, safety, and smooth functioning of Killaloe and its surroundings”.
Successful competion and opening of the Killaloe Bypass and the Brian Boru Bridge have been “a key enable” for the trial pedestrianisation, the senior planned outlined. “Early indications confirm that the new Brian Boru bridge is performing well, with reduced journey times, improved traffic flow, and enhanced safety for all road users. It provides the necessary capacity and resilience to support the reimagining of the old bridge as a pedestrian priority zone, a central element of town centre regeneration, public realm improvement, and sustainable mobility in accordance with the proposals included in the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan (2022)”.
Throughout August and into September, family friendly events are planned to take place on the historic bridge.
Speaking at the July meeting of the Killaloe MD, Cllr O’Brien admitted his use of the word “emergency” in the motion “might have thrown ye”. He continued, “I want us to be able to change things, I’m thinking of the unintended consequences”.
Tailbacks are likely, he flagged. “Currently during school terms and workhours, there’s a tail back in Ballina which goes back out to the swimming pool, it goes right back out to the primary school. We’ve spent €88m on a project to help alleviate traffic but now we’re potentially driving traffic up in another location”. He acknowledged the “huge benefit” brought to East Clare by the completion of the Killaloe Bypass and Shannon Bridge Crossing.
Waiting until the trial period concludes is not the answer, Cllr O’Brien stated while calling for measures to be implemented if congestion arises once the schools return. “I don’t see the point in waiting six weeks to fix something. Traffic is very quiet now in the lower end of Killaloe and around Ballina”.
Introducing a one-way system is the simple solution, the former of Mayor Clare maintained. “I’m convinced a one way system is what we need. “If this is proving to be problematic when schools go back I’d ask that we’re not waiting until October to fix it and we’re not discommoded. I genuinely hope I’m wrong and there won’t be any issues but I’d be failing in my duty to the people if I didn’t raise it”.
Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) said, “I can see where Cllr O’Brien is coming from” and noted “the family friendly events will be interesting to see”.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) commented, “I presume An Garda Síochána and the emergency services are aware of this”. He said journey times have been reduced by ten to fifteen minutes since the Killaloe Bypass has opened.
