Bunratty village undergoes facelift

THIRTY new streetlights have been erected on the approach road to Bunratty village from Shannon in the latest in a series of improvement works to be completed in the village.
According to Senator Tony Mulcahy, confirmation has been received from Clare County Council that further projects, including road improvement works, have been earmarked for Bunratty over the coming weeks.
“New public lighting columns have just been installed in the village. ESB Networks have some works to carry out before these new lights can be switched on. Thereafter, the old lighting columns will be removed,” he stated.
Senator Mulcahy said he has been working with the Bunratty Business Group, comprising members of the local hospitality and tourism sector, for the last three years to deliver a programme of works aimed at enhancing the physical appearance of the village and upgrading the local road network.
“Just this week, for example, road resurfacing works have commenced on the road in front of Roadstone, the road in front of JP Clarke’s and the road in front of the Bunratty Castle Hotel and Meadows and Byrne. These works are hugely important not only for the residents of Bunratty but also for the tens of thousands of tourists that visit the village every year.
“Other works that have been completed in recent weeks include the installation of concrete kerbing and drainage works near JP Clarke’s and the provision of extra litter bins in the village,” he said.
Commenting on works to be carried out, Senator Mulcahy said, “Works are scheduled to take place on the N18 dual carriageway to correct the wavy sections of road near the flyover.
“Furthermore, the council has informed me that it may be in a position to extend the cycle lanes installed last year near Roadstone, in conjunction with the newly surfaced carriageway. However, width restrictions over part of this section may rule this out. Subject to available funding, overlay works will be undertaken on the Hill Road in 2013, while the existing contract for grass cutting in the village will continue next year.”
The works also won praise from Shannon Electoral Area councillors, who met on Tuesday. Councillor John Crowe said while the elected members are often critical, it is important to acknowledge the quality of the work in this instance.