ALERT: Bridge linking Clare and Tipperary villages to be closed to traffic permanently

Local authorities have confirmed plans to permanently pedestrianise the Old Killaloe–Ballina Bridge.

Following extensive public consultation and a successful trial that began two months after the opening of the new Brian Boru Bridge, Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council have confirmed that vehicle access to the old bridge will end permanently.

From 6pm on Friday, October 17, the historic stone bridge will close to all vehicle traffic.

It will then become a dedicated pedestrian and cycle route, linking Killaloe with Ballina in County Tipperary.

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This decision follows a comprehensive Section 38 process, which showed that closing the bridge to vehicle traffic had no negative impact on traffic flow in Ballina or Killaloe.  

It highlighted the bridge’s value as a safer space for pedestrians and cyclists as well as the potential as a venue for local events and tourism. 

Throughout the Section 38 consultation, most respondents from both Killaloe and Ballina supported keeping the bridge closed to vehicles, especially following the opening of the new Brian Boru Bridge on May 22, with many respondents noting reduced congestion and allowed for smoother traffic flow. 

Speaking on the decision to pedestrianise the bridge Clare County Council A/Director of Service for Transportation, Climate Action, Recreation, Environmental & Emergency Services Cyril Feeney said: “The commingling of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles on the bridge has been a cause for concern for many years. The proposal to remove vehicular traffic is not new. It was considered as an option since the early 2000s but was not feasible without an alternative route for vehicular traffic. That alternative route has now been successfully provided by the opening of the new Brian Boru Bridge.”

The Councils also acknowledged concerns about economic impacts, accessibility, and emergency service response times, with Emergency Services confirming they do not expect any significant impact on their operations following the decision.

Both Councils have stated they remain committed to supporting local businesses and promoting Killaloe and Ballina as vibrant centres for commerce and tourism.

Correspondence from the Department of Transport also confirmed that closing the bridge to vehicle traffic aligns with national policies, including the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, NIFTI, and the Road Safety Strategy.

Tipperary County Council Director of Services for Roads and Transportation Health & Safety and Nenagh MD, Liam Brett said:, “We have heard clearly the wishes and concerns of all stakeholders. We acknowledge the opening of the €90 million bypass & bridge brings change as well as potential to the community and business environment. Both councils recognise this and are committed to working with local businesses to promote Killaloe-Ballina as a place for businesses, both existing and future, to develop and grow stronger. Pedestrianisation of the existing bridge can become a cornerstone of the tourist offering for Killaloe and Ballina."

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