THE OLD bridge linking Killaloe and Ballina is now permanently pedestrianised, councils in both Tipperary and Clare have announced.
Pedestrianisation was trialled at the bridge since July 28 and was to conclude on (October 17), a move which met with opposition earlier this year from businesses and communities on both sides of the bridge.
During the trial period, the pedestrianised bridge became a focus for socialising as well as crossing over with friends and families setting up picnic tables overlooking the water during warm weather.
From Friday evening last, the historic narrow stone arch bridge closed permanently to traffic and will serve as a pedestrian and cycle link between the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina.
Motor vehicles will now be obliged to use the newly opened bridge and Killaloe bypass road.
According to the councils in Tipperary and Clare, the 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.”
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 councils explained that “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”.
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.”
The old bridge over the River Shannon was built in the 18th century on the site of an older structure built in the 1650s. The bridge has one laneway and a traffic light system to control passing vehicles.