DISCUSSIONS need to be had with landowners in a bid to find a solution to “major traffic congestion on a daily basis” at a popular school on the outskirts of Ennis, according to a local councillor.

Knockanean National School has experienced a “huge increase of pupils” in recent years Councillor Pat Daly informed a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.

He added that traffic issues have “been going on the last 30 years, and something needs to be done”.

The councillor was told that while a design has been completed for an upgrade of the road, there is no funding available for the purchase of lands.

Councillor Daly suggested that the council talk to the landowners with a view to acquiring land to allow for a widening of the road leading up to the national school from the Ennis side.

He also asked would the council consider a Compulsory Purchase Order, adding that the local authority could make another application for funding.

“Widening the road would make a huge difference to the school,” he stated.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy.

Councillor Johnny Flynn suggested that development levies collected from homes in the Roslevan area could be used to fund the road improvements pointing out that many young families have moved into the area.

Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Ann Norton stated that the council’s road design office is aware of the issue and she has no doubt efforts are being made to rectify the situation.

Responding to Councillor Daly’s motion Michael O’Grady, Executive Engineer, stated, “Road Design have completed the design for the upgrade of the road leading up to Knockanean NS, however there is no funding available for the purchase of lands to facilitate the upgrade or to carry out the works.”

Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, commented, “Based on the planning application made by the Board of Management of Knockanean School and Condition 2 of the final grant of permission there is no significant increase in school pupils attending and this is set at 297 persons unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Planning Authority.

“There is a requirement for the board of management of Knockanean School to submit a detailed operational stage mobility and traffic management plan for agreement with the Planning Authority and this plan is to be subsequently implemented.

There is currently no funding for road improvements on the L4106, and it would be difficult to prioritise works on this road over road improvements on busy Regional and Local Primary Roads.”