Hope is being expressed that a decision to pedestrianise an East Clare bridge won't hamper local businesses. It comes as Clare and Tipperary County Councils have decided to permanently pedestrianise the 18th century Killaloe-Ballina bridge. It follows what's been described as a successful trial period by the local authorities, which had been running for the last three months after the opening of the new €88m Brian Boru Bridge. Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien says a targeted tourism strategy is needed.