Lower Tullow Street will be car-free for four events in coming months

LOWER Tullow Street will be closed to traffic four times over the coming months to enhance engagement in cultural and community events in the town centre.

The street will be car-free from 11.30am to 4pm on Friday 25 April and from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 26 April, as part of the Pan Celtic International Festival, allowing for a street parade and busking competitions. Lr Tullow Street is a car-free zone again from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 7 June to mark Carlow Arts Festival; and over two weekends for the National Community Games hosted in Carlow on Saturday 23 August and Saturday 6 September from 8am to 5pm on both days. Street stalls will be in places with an emphasis on outdoor activities and performances along the street.

At last Thursday’s meeting of Carlow Municipal District, members voted in favour of the closures, pointing to the increased footfall and the possibility of creating pedestrian-friendly spaces where street stalls, performances and a vibrant atmosphere can be created.

Kieran Comerford, head of enterprise, outlined these Streetfest activities and the town centre’s marketing strategy for the months ahead to members. He also pointed out that a meeting with traders was held in February to “explore opportunities for engagement”.

Mayor cllr Fintan Phelan said the feedback for last year’s event had been hugely positive. He also welcomed the council’s consultation and engagement with the traders.

Cllr Paul Doogue also welcomed the initiative. He suggested greater signage to indicate that the National Community Games finals were being held in the town, adding that last year while the town welcomed participants from 26 counties, many in Carlow didn’t realise what was happening. 

Cllr Adrienne Wallace pointed to a number of the adjourning laneways to Tullow Street, including Bridewell Lane, Charlotte Street and Brown Street. “They do look a little dark and dank and more should be done to make them more engaging and inviting,” she said. Cllr Wallace pointed to the popularity of Instagram and making areas more attractive for photos that will entice people to explore a town.

Cllr Ken Murnane said: “At the end of the day, every event that the enterprise office run gets great feedback.”

Cllr Andrea Dalton also praised the work that goes into make these events possible and described them as “labour intensive”, while she also praised the enterprise office on how they “listened and engaged so thoroughly with the trader”s.

Mr Comerford stated that any streetscape project needed to have the funding allocated by members as part of the annual budget process. He confirmed that the Streetfest projects had a total budget of €18,000.