Shopkeepers will have a big say on the pedestrianisation of Lr Tullow Street

TULLOW STREET traders will have a big say in whether the street will be permanently pedestrianised.

At their recent meeting, members of Carlow Municipal District received an update on the question of the pedestrianisation of Lower Tullow Street.

Kieran Comerford from the Local Enterprise Office outlined the pilot pedestrianisation of the street from April to September, beginning with Streetfest, a festival with street entertainment and activity on Tullow Street, followed by the pedestrianisation of the street without the added activity. The key questions about the pilot scheme that need to be discussed include whether there was increased footfall on Lower Tullow Street and whether it enhanced the shopping experience.

“We have agreed to meet the traders in November to receive their comments,” said Mr Comerford. He added that anecdotally the feedback from traders was that the pilot scheme was “at the mercy of the weather”, but largely it had been a positive experience. He added that 18 traders to date had engaged in the process.

Cllr Fintan Phelan was in favour of having Streetfest again next year over the summer months, adding that people had enjoyed the enhanced activity on Tullow Street for the festival.

“I look forward to the outcome from the meeting with the traders and that will help form future plans,” he said.

Cllr Ken Murnane said that some traders had been happy with the pedestrianisation, while other traders were not. “All feedback is welcome,” he added.

Cllr John Cassin stated that his feedback was that footfall was “much decreased when the activity was removed”. He added that pedestrianisation of Tullow Street also affected Dublin Street, Castle Hill and Potato Market and asked if traders there had been invited to share their views.

Mr Comerford said that Streetfest next year was “down to the budget and therefore up to members”.

“If you want a street festival, you have to work within the current resources,” he said, while director of services Michael Rainey added that it was “never proposed to be an annual event”.

Cllr Paul Doogue expressed his disappointment that only 18 traders had been engaged with, while cllr Adrienne Wallace called for a “full report on it”.

“My sense of it was that, overall, it was very positive; yes, there were some negative comments, but we do need a more comprehensive report on it,” she added.

Cllr Andrea Dalton complimented the staff of Carlow Enterprise Officer for their involvement, adding that the project saw huge commitment from them.