Footbridge plans approved for Tipperary despite local concerns over anti-social behaviour
Access to the riverside in Newport could soon be transformed under plans approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP).
Tipperary County Council lodged an application directly with ACP for a new footbridge in Newport, aimed at creating a new amenity space for residents and visitors.
The proposed development consists of the construction of a new footbridge and the resurfacing of the existing lane with walkway link to the existing park in the form of new footpaths and all ancillary site works as required to complete the works at Newport Ball Alley and Park.
While plans for the new bridge and amenity area were largely welcomed, a number of locals submitted observations on the plans.
Local resident Patrick Gleeson raised concerns about having a walkway that is so close to businesses and homes, saying that anti-social behaviour is already an issue at the handball alley.
Brian Dunne and Jorien Szkudlarski also submitted an observation in the same vein, saying that noise and fires are already an issue at the handball alley, and said they were concerned that a new access point would make this worse.
They also added that the pedestrian route is narrow and uninviting, and said that a new handrail proposed as part of the plans would make it even more narrow.
However, in response to these concerns, Tipperary County Council said that the new pathway is meant to encourage more legitimate traffic, and to discourage anti-social behaviour by passive surveillance.
The council also added that there is ample space for the new handrail without the pathway becoming too narrow.
Despite the concerns raised, An Coimisiún Pleanála decided to grant planning permission for the development, saying that by making the area more desirable, it will become more widely used and less of a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.
"I consider the provision of a new pedestrian access to the park and other public realm enhancements ... will likely increase its social appeal within the community and that increased usage of the park will enhance the level of passive surveillance that is currently lacking,” the ACP inspector said in their report.
"I do not share observer concerns that the provision of a handrail along the pedestrian access would affect its usability as a service access ... Whilst a small reduction in the width of the corridor is unavoidable, I am satisfied that the retained width will be sufficient to allow ongoing access,” they added.
Permission for the development was granted, subject to five conditions, including that a qualified ecologist be present on site to oversee the setup of construction and to implement measures to mitigate the impact on the environment.
The planning board also stipulated that the construction of the bridge not involve any mechanical ground excavation, and that machinery coming onto the site be thoroughly cleaned so they don’t spread pathogens or invasive species.