Community lobbies for upgrade to village status in Clare plan

A GROUP of residents who have come together to promote Doora village and make the area a better place to live, work and visit are calling for a change in the locality’s status in the draft County Development Plan 2023-2029.

The Doora Community Development Group are seeking, under a submission to the County Development Plan review, a change of the status of Noughaval from a ‘Cluster’ to ‘Small Village’ status and that the village be referred to as Doora.

Among the issues highlighted by the group in their submission has been motorists speeding through the village, which they say is “now a serious issue for public safety”.

A recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard councillors voice their support, pointing out that a change in the zoning could support efforts to reduce speed limits in the locality.

Former mayor Councillor Johnny Flynn has made his own submission outlining his support for the residents and stating that Doora village is “inappropriately zoned” as a Cluster.

The Doora Community Development Group have made the case that reclassifying the area as a ‘Small Village’ will ensure the continued growth and development of the area. They say this classification will strengthen their case when it comes to seeking funding for future development.

The group are also seeking that the council identify lands within the environs of the village for the provision of small cluster housing which reflect the character of the existing area. They have pointed out that other areas with smaller populations have ‘Small Village’ status in the County Development Plan.

The submission details how due to the proximity to the M18 Motorway and the roundabout at Kilbrecken, “the R469 road leading into Doora is currently experiencing an increase in vehicles through the village. The speeds of those vehicles coming through the village is now a serious issue for public safety.”

Economic opportunities for Doora outlined by the residents include the proposed development of a motorway plaza at the roundabout at Kilbreckan. According to the residents this will be a “welcome addition and will further enhance economic development for the area through the creation of employment and additional services which will create opportunities for the village.”

However, it goes on to stage the village will expect to see an increase in traffic if the proposal goes ahead. “Therefore, the village will require substantial public realm investment, involving new footpath infrastructure along with traffic calming measures to improve the overall quality and safety of access for those living within the village.”

Other opportunities identified in a needs analysis of the village the development of a community farmers market, along with a community café/shop.

According to the group under the current County Development Plan, areas with Clusters status are included in the plan by means of a map, while Small Village status contains written statements and a series of development objectives. “Without clear objectives within the Clare County Development Plan, it may be difficult to create a strong case for funding to the department for a cluster such as Noughaval,” the submission states.

Support for the group was relayed at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District where Councillor Mary Howard sought a council engineers to carry out an analysis of road issues highlighted during a recent meeting with Doora residents.

“Speed is a serious issue for all those in the area,” she said, specifically seeking an examination of the road from the motorway at Killoo Exit 12 – Noughaval Drive and the  Bog Road passing the church and heading towards Frank Lynch’s Cross.

She praised the “real can-do attitude” of the residents’ of Doora. The motion was seconded by Councillor Johnny Flynn, who outlined that he has made a submission to the local authority regarding Doora on the draft County Development Plan. “It is important that the zoning is changed so the speed limit can be reduced and footpaths installed when funding becomes available.”

Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy also praised the Doora residents. She stated that while there are VMS signs in place to deter speeding “locals say they are not really being heeded unfortunately. If it becomes a village it will help secure funding in the future. There is a great belief that Doora will materialise as a distinct village and that will be due to the people of the area with help from the council,” she said.

Councillor Pat Daly commented that residents have “had to put up with alot, the cars are absolutely flying there.” Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Ann Norton stated that the recent meeting with the residents “was a great opportunity to listen to the concerns of all of the community in Doora.”

Councillor Paul Murphy also voiced his support, however he continued, “you can have all the speed limits in the world but enforcement is the best thing to bring down speeding.” He urged that the council write to the gardaí seeking a presence in the area to monitor traffic.

Barry Conway, Executive Engineer, responding to the motion confirmed that a traffic survey will be carried out.

“The Ennis MD has recently installed driver feedback signs as a reminder to motorists of the 60kmph speed limit along the L-4114 through Doora. A traffic survey can now be undertaken by the district office to determine the traffic speeds and volumes on the route. The outcome of this survey will help determine if speeding issues are present in the area and if so, how best to address them.”