Proposal for footbridge linking Ballina Quay and Belleek

A FOOTBRIDGE should be erected connecting the Quay and Belleek areas in Ballina, a local councillor has suggested.

Independent Councillor Mark Duffy's proposal is included in a submission with recommendations to the feasibility study being carried out on behalf of Ballina Lions Club who are looking to maximise the commercial, touristic, community and social benefits that the Moy Estuary offers the area.

Councillor Duffy has proposed that part of the vision should include plans for a footbridge connecting the Quay and Belleek area.

Such a development, he said, would open up two large communities and further develop potential greenway cycling and walking routes from Killala to Belleek and across to the Quay and on to Enniscrone.

“With such a facility, residents in the Quay will be able to access the Belleek Woods and Belleek sports quarter, which includes our cross country running track, tartan athletics track, three football pitches and the Belleek Woods area.

“Further developments can include improved enhancements to the Quay area, developing the harbour, which will help tap into the huge tourism potential in this part of our town,” he said.

Such a development, if built, has been described by business owners in Ballina as 'the factory that will never leave', he said, referencing the long-term tourism employment that will be generated on the back of such a development.

“Another example given to me by a resident in the Quay area is when they want to go for a 5km run through Belleek Woods, they'll have ran almost 5km by the time they get to Belleek, whereas a footbridge connecting the two locations will bring Belleek Woods right on the doorstep of residents in the Quay.”