*Photograph: Páraic McMahon.
PERMANENT pedestrianisation of the Old Killaloe Ballina Bridge is to come into effect this Friday evening.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council announced the bridge would be pedestrianised permanently from the end of the week.
Pedestrianisation has been trialled at the bridge since July 28th and was to conclude on Friday (October 17th) but now both local authorities have announced the measures will remain permanently. The intention to close the existing bridge to vehicular traffic was also in the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan, published in January 2022.
From Friday evening, the historic narrow stone arch bridge will close permanently to all vehicle traffic and will serve as a pedestrian and cycle link between the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina.
According to the Councils, “This decision follows a comprehensive process (Section 38) in which both councils recognised the importance of gathering robust data and undertaking public engagement before deciding to prohibit vehicular traffic on the historic bridge.
“Data collected before and during the trial period demonstrated that closing the bridge to vehicles did not result in any detrimental impact on traffic flows in either Ballina or Killaloe. The trial period also highlighted the bridge’s value as a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, and its suitability as a venue for local promotional and tourism events,” the statement added.
Hundreds of people attended a protest in August opposing the pedestrianisation. However the Councils said “the majority of respondents from both Killaloe and Ballina expressed support for the continued closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic”. The statement added, “Submissions received during the trial reflected strong support for pedestrianisation, with residents citing improved safety for children, elderly, and wheelchair users, as well as enhanced community amenity. The bridge has also become a social hub, fostering increased interaction and hosting events with many submissions noting reduced congestion and improved traffic flow via the new bridge, alongside environmental benefits such as lower noise and air pollution.
“However, the Councils acknowledge concerns raised regarding economic impact, as well as issues of accessibility and emergency service response times. The Councils remain committed to supporting businesses in both towns and to promoting Killaloe and Ballina as vibrant places for commerce and tourism. Meanwhile the Emergency Services confirmed they did not anticipate any significant impact on their operations as a result of this decision”.
Acting Director of Service for Transportation, Climate Action, Recreation, Environmental & Emergency Services Cyril Feeney stated, “The commingling of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles on the bridge has been a cause for concern for many years. The proposal to remove vehicular traffic is not new. It was considered as an option since the early 2000s but was not feasible without an alternative route for vehicular traffic. That alternative route has now been successfully provided by the opening of the new Brian Boru Bridge”.
Tipperary County Council Director of Services for Roads and Transportation Health & Safety and Nenagh MD, Liam Brett said, “We have heard clearly the wishes and concerns of all stakeholders. We acknowledge the opening of the €90 million bypass & bridge brings change as well as potential to the community and business environment. Both councils recognise this and are committed to working with local businesses to promote Killaloe-Ballina as a place for businesses, both existing and future, to develop and grow stronger. Pedestrianisation of the existing bridge can become a cornerstone of the tourist offering for Killaloe and Ballina”.
