BALLINA, TIPPERARY – A decision to permanently pedestrianise the old bridge connecting Ballina and Killaloe has sparked significant concern among local business owners, who claim the move has severely impacted foot traffic and revenue. The bridge, a key link between the two towns, officially became pedestrian-only last October following a joint decision by Tipperary and Clare County Councils. Now, some are questioning whether the benefits of increased pedestrian safety and tourism outweigh the economic consequences.
The change has been met with criticism from Cllr. Dr. Phyll Bugler, a Fine Gael councillor representing Ballina, who argues the pedestrianisation has created a barrier between the two communities. “Once they pedestrianised this bridge, it was as if a shutter came down on Ballina and Killaloe,” Bugler stated. She believes the move has disrupted established shopping patterns and negatively affected businesses on both sides of the river.
Economic Impact on Twin Towns
Bugler says businesses in Ballina are particularly feeling the effects. “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,” she explained. She is actively seeking solutions to boost footfall, proposing the relocation of the weekly farmers’ market, held every Sunday from 9am to 3pm, onto the bridge itself, coupled with additional activities to draw visitors. “I’m trying to work with Clare County Council to get the farmers’ market…moved up onto the bridge, and then every Sunday we can have activities on the bridge, and I’m saying to traders that they can sell teas, coffees, scones, whatever we can at the start of the bridge,” she said.
Bugler has long opposed the pedestrianisation plans, and now believes her concerns have been validated. She notes that pedestrian traffic is minimal during the week, with the exception of Sundays when the farmers’ market attracts visitors. “It’s okay for the two councils to talk about people walking across the bridge, but there’s nobody walking across the bridge during the week,” she said. She similarly pointed out that the popular “Walk Our Twin Bridges” trail, approximately 3.5 kilometers long, is inadvertently diverting potential customers away from Ballina businesses, as walkers park in town to access the trail but do not patronize local shops.
Concerns Over Mobility Plan Implementation
The councillor also expressed frustration with the implementation of a broader mobility plan for the area. She claims the full pedestrianisation of the bridge was not part of the original plan, which she understood to include potential temporary closures for events like Sunday afternoons or St. Patrick’s Day. Bugler alleges that businesses have experienced a reduction in footfall of up to 30% as a result of the change. She is open to the idea of weekend closures but believes a permanent restriction is unsustainable given the relatively small population of the two towns – approximately 4,300 residents combined.
Bugler is actively working with local traders, encouraging them to offer discounts and promotions to attract customers. “I hold meetings with the businesses every two weeks, trying to drum up business and saying to the traders ‘give me special offers that I can advertise’, I’m trying to get the footfall back in, but unless something major happens, we’re going to be in trouble here,” she said. She emphasized the financial strain on businesses already burdened by high rates.
She further criticized the county councils for what she perceives as a selective approach to implementing the mobility plan, citing a stalled project to develop an interpretative center and plaza on the site of the former creamery. The council lacked funding for the purchase, leading a private businessman to acquire the property. Bugler noted that promised improvements to parking facilities – 70 new spaces opposite the church – have yet to materialize. “We are trying to get people into Ballina but we don’t have a car park in Ballina for them to park in at the moment,” she said.
Council Response and Future Plans
In a joint statement, Tipperary and Clare County Councils acknowledged the concerns raised regarding the economic impact and accessibility, while defending the decision to pedestrianise the bridge. They stated that data collected before and during a 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 its potential as a venue for events. Tipperary County Council director of services for roads Liam Brett suggested the pedestrianisation could become “a cornerstone of the tourist offering for Killaloe and Ballina.”
The councils affirmed their commitment to supporting businesses in both towns and promoting the area as a vibrant commercial and tourism destination. However, the ongoing debate underscores the challenges of balancing economic considerations with broader goals of pedestrian safety and community development.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions between local councillors, business owners, and the county councils. The success of proposed initiatives, such as relocating the farmers’ market, will be closely monitored to assess their impact on footfall and economic activity. The next steps will likely involve a review of the mobility plan and a reassessment of parking provisions in Ballina.
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