Councillors seek traffic-calming measures

EXTRA traffic calming measures are needed to prevent the possibility of a serious traffic accident in Dromindoora village, a local councillor has warned.

Councillor Pat Hayes told a recent Killaloe Electoral Area meeting there has been a number of “near misses” in Dromindoora village, which has become very built up over the last few years, following the construction of new houses.
The Fianna Fáil councillor stressed action needs to be taken by the council as quickly as possible to address the serious issue, as existing roads weren’t designed to take the increase in traffic.
He proposed the council should liaise with local gardaí to secure an agreement about further traffic calming measures, such as a reduction in the existing speed limit.
“With young children walking to school and the GAA pitch, there is a great urgency to make every effort to slow down traffic in this area,” he added.
Senior executive engineer, Seán Lenihan pointed out Dromindoora National School is one of two East Clare schools included in the National Roads Authority (NRA) Pilot Schools programme, whereby a particular scheme of road markings will be installed to increase awareness and reduce speed.
Mr Lenihan confirmed this work is due to be carried out in the next week or so, weather depending.
“There is an element of natural traffic calming provided by the horizontal and vertical alignment of the road as one approaches from the county boundary at the northern side to the GAA field junction.
“South of this junction, the road is relatively straight and there are approximately 20 houses, a school, hardware store, pub, shop/post office, without the benefit of a path or a reduced speed limit.
“A reduced speed limit can be further considered in the ongoing review and further consideration will be given to the optimum form of traffic calming,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, councillors have also highlighted the need for traffic calming measures to slow down traffic through Feakle.
Councillor Hayes tabled a motion at the meeting calling for speed control measures to be put in place in the area of Smyth’s Shop and the new Creamery building in Feakle.
Welcoming agreement for some road warning signs, Councillor Hayes felt this would be a help at some level to slow down traffic. However, he proposed that rumble strips should also be considered to slow down traffic even further at the location.
“This area is extremely busy at present and it is imperative that we find a solution to slow down traffic speeds to prevent accidents. Cars coming from the Scariff side are driving at excessive speed. The new signage should be erected as quickly as possible,” he said.
He was supported by Councillor Joe Cooney, who stressed it is good to see the provision of traffic calming at the location. He added that motorists should take notice of the measures.
Mr Lenihan said councillors would be aware that breaches of the speed limits were a matter for the gardaí. However, following a recent meeting on site, Mr Lenihan advised on some control measures that will help the situation on the ground.
“To further assist, I agreed to erect signage once provided and have arranged for road markings on approach to the Creamery building and Smyths Shop from the northern side. These will be carried out when the lining contractor is next in the area,” he said.