Clare Council confirms dates for trial pedestrianisation of old Killaloe-Ballina Bridge

The trial pedestrianisation of the old bridge linking Killaloe and Ballina will run from Monday, 28 July to Friday, 17 October, it has been confirmed. 

The announcement was made following a meeting between Elected Members of Killaloe and Nenagh Municipal Districts and officials from Clare and Tipperary County Councils on Wednesday, June 25.

The trial, provided under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, aims to pilot a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly route on the old town centre bridge between Killaloe and Ballina.

The trial will also allow for the gathering of further details on traffic flow and pedestrian movements internally between the towns and for measurement of the social, economic and tourism benefits.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Gardaí seize €210,000 worth of cocaine found in vehicle during raid in Clare

On May 22, the new Brian Boru Bridge was officially opened, crossing over the River Shannon approximately 1km south of the old 18th Century Killaloe Bridge and connecting the Killaloe Bypass with the R494 to the south.

The trialled pedestrianisation of the old Killaloe-Ballina Bridge follows significant public engagement in both towns in recent months. It is also in accordance with the proposals included in the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan.

This plan sets out a co-ordinated vision for public realm improvements in both towns. A number of projects are envisaged under the plan, including improvements to public spaces in Killaloe and Ballina and the provision of additional car parking in these towns.

Formal advertisement of the Section 38 trial will follow in the coming weeks, including drawings of the pedestrianisation layout and details on how submissions from the public can be made during the trial period.

Following completion of the trial period and having regard to the submissions made, consideration of national, regional and local policy and an appraisal of all data gathered, it is anticipated that in October, both Tipperary County Council and Clare County Council will make a determination on the future arrangements of the old 18th Century bridge.