Tipperary town has 'lost a lot of business' since pedestrianisation of historic bridge

Concerns have been voiced that businesses in Ballina are struggling in the aftermath of the permanent pedestrianisation of the Ballina-Killaloe bridge. 

At the October meeting of the Nenagh Municipal District, councillors noted the decision to close the bridge to traffic permanently following extensive public consultation.

However, Independent Councillor Pamela Quirke O'Meara told the meeting of the "struggle" that local businesses are facing since the town was bypassed earlier this year. 

Describing Ballina as "one of the jewels in the crown" of Lough Derg, Cllr Quirke O'Meara commented on the "really different dynamic" within the town and said business owners must be supported by the local authority going forward.

She wants to see the area get "back on track" with this help as the people and businesses have been there a long time, where they have "suffered" through the different works that have gone on.

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"The uncertainty there for businesses is very worrying but I know that they are a very resilient community," said the Councillor.  

She called for a meeting of areas that can support Ballina businesses, including, in this, an understanding of the road works that may be completed and/or any active travel plans that are going to be completed.

"All of that information needs to be brought to the table for the business owners so that they can make a plan because the future of any town or village, or anywhere, needs to be based around a plan," she said.

Cathaoirleach of the Nenagh Municipal District, Cllr Phyll Bugler said she agreed that businesses in Ballina have suffered "quite a lot," saying that while footfall has increased on the pedestrianised bridge, it is not turning into revenue. 

"That is the problem," said Cllr Bugler. The Cathaoirleach also made further calls for the Council to engage with business owners in the area. 

"We need to market Ballina to get business back into Ballina because we have lost a lot of business through the new bridge. I suppose, with a bypass, it's certainly going to take time for people to come back into Ballina but certainly we need new signage, new marketing approach  to make Ballina a destination, to make it like it was because it would be a shame if businesses have to close down," she suggested. 

Also making a suggestion was Fianna Fáil Councillor JP O'Meara who said, in order to bring tourism to the area, a car park close to the pedestrianised bridge must be made a priority. 

Labour Party Councillor Fiona Bonfield stated that when a town is bypassed, there will naturally be some complications. 

Speaking on this, she said: "I have great belief in this authority, as well, that both authorities (Tipperary and Clare) will work together and you know what? Sometimes I can understand at the moment that businesses are feeling the punch but I do believe that in a year's time or so, we can see how this project will be very beneficial to the area."

Cllr Bugler thinks these concerns could be alleviated if a marketing person is assigned to help promote the town. 

“Businesspeople have always worked very hard in Ballina and Killaloe but they need now a time to get recharged. Get the positive message out there but they need help from the Council,” she concluded.