Mixed reaction to proposed works in Quin

CLARE County Council’s plans to develop a pedestrian crossing and footpath in Quin village close to Quin Gardens have been met with mixed views as planning permission is pending for the works.
In three submissions lodged to the planning authority’s application for the crossing and footpath development, concerns were noted that, while such works are welcome, they could be better situated.
In a submission to the planning application, Anne Marlborough highlighted that while she welcomed the “laudable efforts” of Clare County Council to enhance the safety of Quin life, she urged them to revise the location of the pedestrian crossing.
“Proposals to enhance the safety of the village are a welcome initiative to improve the quality of community life in the village. The volume of traffic through the village has certainly grown during recent decades and a pedestrian crossing would not be unwelcome. I do wish, however to comment upon the proposed location for the crossing as I believe that it would be better situated at another location in the village,” Ms Marlborough said.
She highlighted that her reason for this was twofold. The first reason is that the proposed location of the crossing would have “a detrimental impact” on her enjoyment of her home, while the second was that the community needs would be better served if it was located elsewhere.
She suggested in the vicinity of the church, the Abbey Tavern, the beauty salon, tea room and credit union, where she said “there would be more need for a crossing point”.
Meanwhile, Shaun Stevens of Manor View lodged a submission early last month indicating that while “the principle for this development is certainly welcomed”, he had concerns.
“There is a clear need to provide an additional crossing point on the south-eastern side of the bridge for residents of The Park, The Cloisters and others houses on that side of the street to cross to reach the church, school, community centre and shops. This would also provide safe access for all other residents of the village to access the Abbey Tavern, and the credit union. There is an unsighted bend at this location where traffic calming and crossing facilities would greatly improve safety. I would suggest that the savings made from unwanted flashing beacons could be better spent on providing this second crossing point,” Mr Stevens noted.
In a further submission lodged by Kay O’Shaughnessy of Mayville, she also asks the council to review the proposed location of the crossing.
“I suggest that part of the street, which has the highest volume of crossing is in front of the credit union and the road leading to the school. This part of the street is where children are dropped off to go to Quin National School,” she stated.
A decision on this planning application is expected later this week.