Toilets and showers planned for River Suir users in Carrick-on-Suir
The plans for Dillon Bridge include renovating two areas used for storage of river rescue equipment
Plans to install public toilets and shower facilities under Dillon Bridge in a new area to be known as ‘The Arches’ in Carrick-on-Suir are in the works, as the council opened up the plans to public consultation earlier in June.
Two of the arches are currently used as storage units, but the council have plans instead to build a retail unit, a small kitchen, a changing room, storage lockers, toilets, and showers that will suit people using the Suir Blueway.
At the moment, the area under the bridge is used for storage for river rescue equipment and other material. The third arch is open to pedestrians and traffic moving from Barrack Lane to Callanan’s Lane.
The purpose is to “create a point of arrival for visitors and a base from which they can explore the town which has ‘exceptional potential as a regionally important heritage, cultural and recreational tourism destination’.
“Once operational, The Arches will serve as a recreational support facility to users of the Suir Blueway and visitors to Carrick-on-Suir. The facility will provide an accessible base for cyclists, kayakers, and visitors through provision of toilet facilities, changing and shower amenities, storage provision, and ancillary visitor services”.
The works would involve removing some infill masonry, and replace this with a new metal-clad shopfront. The plans also involve the installation of guardrails at the entrance to the arches, and some improvements of the public realm on Barrack Lane, as well as conservation works to the bridge arches and bridge structure.
A flood risk assessment found that flooding was unlikely, particularly taking into account the town’s flood defence system.
The public consultation is now open, and plans can be viewed online or in-person at council offices in Clonmel, Nenagh, and Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Office, Town hall, New Street, Carrickbeg, Carrick-on-Suir until July 9.