A proposal to construct a footbridge connecting the Quay and Belleek area in Ballina has been proposed by Cllr Mark Duffy, as part of a submission to the feasibility study by Ballina Lions Club which is looking to maximise the potential of the Moy Estuary area.
Duffy has proposed that part of the vision should include plans for the footbridge, adding: "Such a development 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 onto 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 and developing the harbour to help tap into the huge tourism potential in this part of our town.
"Such a development, if built, has been described by business owners in Ballina as "The factory that will never leave" - 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."
