Pedestrianisation of Ballina-Killaloe Bridge Sparks Business Concerns

The pedestrianisation of the old bridge linking Ballina, County Tipperary, and Killaloe, County Clare, has drawn criticism from local businesses who claim it has negatively impacted footfall and trade. The bridge officially became pedestrian-only last October following a joint decision by Tipperary and Clare County Councils.

Impact on Local Businesses

Councillor Dr. Phyll Bugler, a Fine Gael representative for the Nenagh Municipal District, has been a vocal opponent of the pedestrianisation plan. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Cllr. Bugler stated that both towns are experiencing a decline in visitors. “Once they pedestrianised this bridge, it was as if a shutter came down on Ballina and Killaloe,” she said. “Both towns have great businesses, but we’re really feeling it here in Ballina. It’s like this barrier has been put in between our two towns now and it’s a major problem.”

Cllr. Bugler estimates that some businesses have seen a 30% reduction in revenue since the change. She believes the lack of pedestrian traffic during the week is a significant issue, noting that footfall primarily occurs on Sundays due to the farmers’ market in Killaloe.

Proposed Solutions and Concerns

To mitigate the negative effects, Cllr. Bugler has proposed moving the weekly farmers’ market onto the bridge and hosting activities there on Sundays to attract more visitors. She is also encouraging local traders to offer special promotions and discounts. However, she expressed concern that people are parking in Ballina to access the “Walk Our Twin Bridges” trail, a 3.5-kilometer route, without spending money in the town.

She suggests allowing traffic on the bridge during weekdays, potentially with a one-way system to improve pedestrian safety, arguing that the current pedestrianisation is unsustainable given the small population of the twin towns (approximately 4,300 people).

Council Response and Mobility Plan

In a joint statement, Tipperary and Clare County Councils acknowledged the concerns raised regarding economic impact and accessibility. They stated that the decision to pedestrianise the bridge was made after “gathering robust data and undertaking public engagement,” and that the trial period showed no detrimental impact on traffic flow. The councils also highlighted the bridge’s value as a safer space for pedestrians and cyclists and a potential venue for events.

However, Cllr. Bugler contends that the pedestrianisation plan was not fully integrated into the broader mobility plan for the area. She points to unfulfilled objectives within the plan, such as the development of an interpretative centre and plaza on the site of the old creamery, and the provision of 70 additional parking spaces in Ballina.

Councillor Background

Phyll Bugler has been a County Councillor since 2004 and served as Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council from 2017-2018. She is a small business owner and has been involved in local community initiatives, including the Ballina and Newport Tidy Towns Committees and the Ballina / Killaloe Business Association [Fine Gael].

Contact Information:

• Phone: 061 375027 / 087 2807655
• Email: phyll.bugler@cllr.tipperarycoco.ie