Howard: People might see roundabout if Púca put in middle of it

INSTALLING the controversial Púca statue at a busy Ennis junction would draw motorists’ attention to new road safety measures put in place a local councillor has quipped.

An upgrade of the Corrovorrin junction, including a new mini-roundabout, has been widely welcomed locally, however a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District has been told there needs to be more driver awareness of the changes to the road.

This prompted Councillor Mary Howard to joke, “People are still not aware of the roundabout, they would know if the Púca was in the middle of it to draw attention to it.”

More seriously she added, “Traffic is flying through and I’m afraid of what might happen.”

The issue at Corrovorrin junction was raised by Councillor Johnny Flynn who urged the council to consider further improvements to the “excellent upgrade” of the area.

He called for improved road signage immediately adjacent to the junction to increase driver awareness; road marking of the track drive over area; bollards at the start of the drive over area and increased visual emphasis of the centre of the roundabout.

Councillor Flynn stated there has been an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the new road layout from local residents, however some motorists are “shooting through” the junction.

Councillor Pat Daly commented that the new junction has resulted in a “new lease of life” for residents who previously endured long delays in trying to get out on the main road.

However, he said more signage is needed saying, “Traffic is coming in from the motorway and they don’t know about the roundabout. One woman nearly got killed, she was half way out and a car came flying.”

Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy also welcomed the works, though she said that “some fine tuning” is needed.

Councillor Howard said that the residents “never thought they would see a resolution.” Praising the improvements, she continued that the visual impact is “quite minimal.”

“I am very aware of it because of my job and the role that was played by the council in this. One of my first motions as a councillor was about this. I crawl along the roundabout but I have seen people who are still not aware of it.”

Responding to Councillor Flynn’s motion, Michael O’Grady, Executive Engineer, confirmed the Road Design section will carry out a review of the current layout to ascertain if further works are required to improve the current use. While Eamon O’Dea, senior engineer, told the meeting that there are plans for pedestrian crossings.