Motoring

AN Ennis man who was part of a convoy of Tesla drivers bringing Ukrainian refugees to Ireland has told how he still gets emotional thinking about the experience. John Casey, founder of the Tesla Owners Group in Ireland, also revealed the drivers are planning a return trip to help even more people to safety. John recently returned from Poznan in Poland where he was part of a humanitarian endeavour which saw more than 70 Ukrainians, including a three-month old baby, brought by car across Europe to Ireland. He explains that fellow Tesla driver and member of the group Tom McEnaney, founder of International Orphanage Development Programme Ltd, approached him last month with the idea of the club helping people in Ukraine. Having put the word out to the members on Thursday, March 24, a convoy of 15 cars and a van set out for Poznan. Fellow club member, and director at Unicef, Caroline Dowling flew out ahead of time to …

CLARE gardai have appealed for witnesses to a traffic collision that occured on Monday of last week in Ennis. At 1.20am on Monday, March 21, a traffic collision occurred at the Tulla Road/Lifford Road roundabout and the second vehicle failed to remain at the scene. The driver of one car was travelling from Clonroad in the direction of the Tulla Road/Lifford Road roundabout intersection. The driver was taking the second exit at the roundabout when the offending vehicle which approached from the Lifford Road direction collided into her car. The only description available currently is that it was a black car. If anyone witnessed this collision or anyone has dash cam footage of it, they are asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 6848100.

CONGESTION during peak traffic periods on the Tulla Road and Gort Road areas of Ennis could be significantly eased with the completion of the Ennis North Inner Relief Road, according to Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara. Deputy McNamara has written to Clare County Council urging the Local Authority to revisit the proposal to link the roads, which he said would divert traffic away from the centre of Ennis and the Fair Green area and improve general traffic flow on the northern and eastern sides of the town. “It was originally intended that the Inner Relief Road would link the R458 Gort Road to Oakleigh Wood and The Maples Distributor Road and onwards to the Cappahard and Roslevan Roundabouts on the R352 Tulla Road,” he explained. “However, no progress has been made since 2018 when Phase One of the project, comprising a 520m road link from the Gort Road to the Clare Technology Park, was officially opened.” “While the Council has …

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, …

The bridge linking counties Clare and Tipperary at Killaloe/Ballina was closed following a road traffic collision this afternoon. Emergency services from both counties are dealing with the incident on the Shannon crossing which is understood to have occurred at around 3.30pm. Three cars, all travelling in the same direction, are thought to be involved in the collision. Units of the fire service from Killaloe in Clare and Newport, Fire Service in Co Tipperary responding to the crash along with Gardaí. No serious injuries have been reported however National Ambulance Service resources have been sent to the scene to assess those involved. Two people have been taken to hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be serious. In the meantime, the bridge has reopened to traffic.

GARDAÍ in Clare believe that thieves may have used a trailer to steal a BMW which had four flat tyres. Between 7pm on Saturday March 19 and 10am on Sunday morning last a black 523 saloon BMW registration number 99 CE 5663 was stolen from a farm yard in Cregard, Barefield. “This vehicle had four flat tyres and the owner believes that the car was not capable of being driven so it may have been taken away on a trailer,” says Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks. She urged anybody who may have seen anything to contact their local garda station.

AN ENNIS dealership has been named as the Clare winner of a new motor industry award for the promotion of electric vehicles. Western Garages on the Quin Road in the county town is the Banner nominee for the inaugural EV Dealership Awards. The dealership is now on the shortlist for a national award initiated by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sales of electric vehicles (EV) in Ireland. Car dealerships are a vital part of the transition to clean and efficient transport. SEAI wants to recognise and award those dealerships who are working to increase consumers’ understanding and experience of EVs and their uptake on Irish roads. Commenting on the announcement Declan Meally, Director of Business, Public Sector and Transport at SEAI said, “SEAI recognises that EV car dealerships and their staff are a key set of enablers to EV uptake. I congratulate this year’s winners whose commitment and dedication are …

CLARE’S most senior garda has expressed concern about a “significant” increase in the number of people caught driving while intoxicated, writes Fiona McGarry. Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran highlighted a 27% increase in Driving Under the Influence (CUI) incidents between last November and January, when compared to the same period in 2020/21. Addressing the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting last week, the chief was critical of drivers who are willing to take risks with their lives and those of others. In terms of the numbers of people detected driving while intoxicated, Chief Superintendent Colleran said: “It’s up to 38 for this three-month period, as opposed to 30 for the previous three months. “As much as we talk about driver behaviour, and messages getting through, it points to the fact there are still people out there that take risks, and they take risks with other people’s lives because of the offences they commit.” In respect of road traffic collisions, he said this …