THE notorious Brennan’s Cross in Meelick is an “accident waiting to happen”, a local Dáil Deputy has claimed.
Deputy Joe Carey has called on Clare County Council to realign Brennan’s Cross in the interest of road safety as well as providing public lighting, footpaths and infrastructure from the Knockalisheen Centre back into Meelick.
The Fine Gael Deputy has made representations to the council for road improvement works in Meelick following a recent visit to the area with Councillor John Crowe.
Several residents had been in touch with Deputy Carey in relation to the dangers posed to pedestrians, cyclist and motorist using both Brennan’s Cross and the Knockalisheen Road.
Deputy Carey warned these issues will be exacerbated when the new road linking Coonagh to the Knockalisheen Road, which is currently under construction as part of Phase One of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road, is open to traffic.
“It’s my understanding that a section of the Knockalisheen Road is planned to close for a period of 12 months to facilitate the provision of road improvement works,” said Deputy Carey.
“These works are to include the provision of lighting, footpaths and cycling facilities from the entrance to the Knockalisheen Centre along the Knockalisheen Road back into Limerick.
“This is a most welcome development but it’s equally important that Clare County Council would also use this opportunity to provide lighting, footpaths and cycling infrastructure from the Knockalisheen Centre back into Meelick.”
He added that the opportunity to realign Brennan’s Cross is addressed in the interest of public road safety must also be grasped.
“With increased traffic using the new road from Coonagh to the Knockalisheen Road when coupled with the existing dangerous situation at Brennan’s Cross, this is an accident waiting to happen,” he opined.
“Brennan’s Cross is very blind to traffic coming from the Gallow’s Hill side, it’s crucial that a comprehensive realignment is carried out at this important junction prior to the new traffic arrangement being introduced.”
Clare County Council is preparing detailed designs to improve footpath connectivity, pedestrian safety, and public lighting in Meelick Village.
In a statement to The Clare Champion, the council said it will be examining the various issues raised and potential funding sources for safety improvement works in this area through the Road Design Office and Shannon Municipal District Offices.
By Dan Danaher