Councillor highlights accident blackspots in South-East Clare

A NUMBER of crossroads in South-East Clare have been condemned as potential “accident blackspots” by a local county councillor.
Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald has warned a number of crossroads are a cause of concern for locals who are witnessing first hand the increase in traffic volumes.
The crossroads pinpointed are Connor’s Cross, also known as Griffin’s or Clancy’s Cross, and Barry’s Cross. Residents are also concerned about the narrow Blackwater Bridge and Browne’s corner in Parteen village.
Locals have expressed their views to Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald, while a mobile speed van regularly parked at the entrance to Corbally Football Club on the Killaloe Road has also come in for criticism.
Councillor Fitzgerald said, “The ever-increasing traffic from East Clare and Tipperary to Limerick means that these locations need upgraded signage and Connor’s Cross leading to Parteen village from the Killaloe road now needs a mini roundabout”.
He has put motions before Clare County Council regarding proper signage for Blackwater Bridge where there is a great need for caution and he also recommended that a pedestrian crossing be put in place from the HSE facility located on the road from Parteen village to Connor’s Cross.
Referring to the mobile speed vans, Councillor Fitzgerald believes they should only be located at accident blackspots.
“I welcome the introduction of these vans, but I feel they could be better used on stretches of road that are prone to accidents and not on the outskirts of towns and villages such as Killaloe or at the entrance to Corbally football club,” he added. He suggested these speed vans must be making money and he wondered where the money is going.
He also claimed people have been prosecuted for being marginally over the limit in a 60 mph zone. “I would like to know how accurate these cameras are,” he said.
Concern about the state of the road surface at Clonlara Cross was also expressed by Councillor Michael Begley at a recent Killaloe Electoral Area meeting. Councilor Begley proposed road alignment should be carried out at Clonlara Cross to improve visibility on the regional road.
Senior executive engineer, Hugh McGrath acknowledged the need for improvements at this location and pledged to examine the options with a view to seeking funding.
Councillor Begley requested signage warning rough road surface should be erected between Carmody’s Cross and Roo East on the regional road until the surface dressing was carried out as existing signage on this road was in a poor state.
He explained motorists were driving into potholes before they realised how bad they were or before they had a chance to avoid them.
Mr McGrath confirmed surface dressing would be carried out at these locations under the 2012 Restorative Improvement Grant.