Ballyalla Lake now included on Local Link Saturday route

THE popularity of Ballyalla Lake has resulted in the beauty spot on the outskirts of Ennis being added to the TFI Local Link bus route.

TFI Local Link Limerick Clare has changed the C13 bus timetable to stop at Ballyalla Lake.

“Providing access to this beauty spot which is 3.4km from the centre of Ennis, is in recognition of the increase in visitors to Ballyalla Lake and the fact that there was no public transport serving the attraction,” Cillian Griffey, Transport Operations Coordinator Clare with TFI Local Link.

“TFI Local Link want to make this prized amenity accessible for all especially those that don’t drive and those with mobility issues. All our buses are fully wheelchair accessible and our buses cater for all.”

The C13 service which runs every Saturday commences at Friar’s Walk bus stop next to Clare Museum at 11.15am. Stops along the way include The Auburn Lodge Hotel which also can be used for shopping in Lidl, Ballyalla, Barefield, Ballyline, Crusheen, and Ballinruan.

“The bus stops at Ballyalla four times on a Saturday which should cater for those engaging in water sports, swimming or going for a short stroll,” he adds.

Chair of the Ballyalla Lake Blue Flag Working Group Councillor Johnny Flynn said he is delighted with announcement saying the new service will “provide transport access for Ennis people and visitors to the beautiful Lake, its walks, birdwatching, waterside picnic benches, water sports, etc. The service provides access to the lake to Barefield and Crusheen residents and it can cater for short or longer visits.”

He continues, “The bus travels twice on Saturday’s from Ennis town Centre to and from Crusheen stopping at the lake on the outward and inward journey . It leaves the beside the Museum, Templegate Carpark, either on the earlier time of 11.15am or later at 2.45 pm and at arriving at the lake 12 minutes later on its way to Crusheen before returning back at the lake 40 minutes later on its way back into Ennis.

“If you travel on either bus you have the option of having a short visit returning on the bus back in 40 minutes or if you travel on the earlier bus you have the option of spending four hours at the lake having a picnic or doing water sports before returning on the later bus. Some people may decide to do one leg of the journey on the bus and do the other 3.4km leg by foot.”

The group is the designated community group that has worked with An Taisce to retain a Green Coast Award status for the lake it’s beach and swimming area.

The Green Coast Award acknowledges beaches with exceptional water quality and community-led plans that protect the natural environment. This prestigious award has recognised 59 beaches across Ireland in 2018, with three of these in County Clare, that excel in these areas but do not have the infrastructure to support Blue Flag status.  

The Ballyalla Lake Blue Flag Working Group which was formed following an online petition in 2010 which showed significant interest from the community of Ennis to improve the facilities of the lake and bring it back to its former glory.

Councillor Flynn says, “We have been collaborating with residents, Clare County Council and the wider Ennis community to upgrade the facilities while protecting the environment and increasing the public use of this beautiful amenity.

“The return of the lifeguarding and toilet facilities at the lake has lead to greater usage. The combined efforts have allowed Ballyalla Lake to become a venue to host events such as Charity Raft Races, Ennis Triathlon Club’s annual iTri Triathlon, An Post Rás na mBan and Clare Kayak Hire Summer Camps and Kayak rental.”