File reveals issues of those affected by Blake’s Corner project

SUBMISSIONS to An Bord Pleanála by property owners affected by the compulsory purchase order for an inner relief road in Ennistymon have revealed stress, fears for business viability and opinions that the project will not actually improve traffic flow.

Clare County Council has pledged to complete the detailed design and tender documentation to secure a contractor for the project as soon as possible following planning approval from An Bord Pleanála.

Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Seán Lenihan, confirmed the council would also start the engagement process with affected land and property owners in terms of agreeing compensation packages and other associated arrangements required.

A Part Eight development was granted by the council but was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

The development includes the pedestrianisation of the existing bridge, the inclusion of a roundabout at the western end of the proposed new bridge crossing on the L-1084 and the relocation of the existing public car park adjacent to New Road (N85).

A new plaza will be constructed at the western end. Other enhancements include footpath improvements and enhanced crossing arrangements, landscaping, lighting and services enhancements, and other ancillary elements.

The planning appeals board considered that the acquisition of the identified dwelling, shop unit, office premises and part of a funeral home business is necessary to deliver this development, despite objections from local property owners.

In their objection, John and Sheena Clancy, Bogbere Street, Ennistymon, outlined the process has had a significant stressful impact on them as the proposal entails loss of a family home and business in which considerable investment has been made and they consider it an inappropriate and disproportionate action by the local authority.

Elizabeth McNamara, Branch Manager, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, argued the proposed improvements would not improve the traffic issues within Ennistymon and just move the congestion further up the New Road.

“The proposal entails demolition of two businesses and a private dwelling on which considerable effort and expense has been made upgrade them to their current condition and such contribute positively to the town.

“There is a derelict structure on the opposite side of the road (protected) with questions why such has not been considered to facilitate the improvements rather than the existing properties.

“There is no suitable alternative accommodation in the town up to the standard required by the department.

“Inadequate consideration has been given to the stressful impact of the process on the observers and those who are losing premises.

“There are alternative options available such as delisting Blake’s & Linnanes Houses and constructing a roundabout and provision of an outer relief road,” the appeal outlined.

Michael Lyons, Kevin Dore, Paddy Clarke, Brid Howe, Paddy and Antoinette Reynolds, Lahinch Road, queried why the council needed to purchase the areas in front of their dwellings and to extinguish a laneway right-of-way.

Jonathon O’Gorman, New Road, Ennistymon, proposed there is an alternative less intrusive and costly solution including a no right turn over the existing bridge from the main street, provision of convex mirror, a yellow box, a revised traffic signal system and such would address existing congestion issues. The observer noted that a pedestrian walkway could be attached to the existing bridge.

John Linnane and Michael Linnane, Linnane’s Funeral Home, Ennistymon, complained the project would impact the existing business severely as it reduces the area currently used for mourners to queue and congregate, would endanger public safety and render the existing funeral home inoperable and would necessitate its relocation.

The reduction in the area of the funeral home would render parking difficult.

The objectors noted that the Outer Relief Road project, if advanced, would eliminate the need for the Inner Relief Road project and mean no necessity to acquire the objectors’ property.

Patrick Donovan, Bogbere, Ennistymon, claimed the scheme would have an adverse impact through, noise dust and vibration and should be subject to Environmental Impact Assessment.

He stated no appropriate or preliminary examination has been carried out in relation to EIA or Appropriate Assessment screening was carried out in compliance with the Habitats Directive.

During an oral hearing, the council outlined the road improvement scheme addressed the need for a new bridge crossing to address on-going issue of traffic congestion at Blake’s Corner.

The submission highlighted that An Bord Pleanála determined that Appropriate Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment was not required for the scheme.

Senior Inspector, Colin McBride, noted the improvement of the junction is curtailed by the fact there are two existing protected structures, and in addition the existing bridge, which is also a protected structure is narrow in width and deficient in pedestrian footpaths.

“The proposal will facilitate improve traffic movements, improve traffic safety and enhance pedestrian facilities and movement through the town and an upgrade of public realm in the centre of the town and preserve structures of architectural heritage significance as well as enhancing their setting.

“The provision of a bypass would not deal with the specific traffic issues concerning Blake’s Corner even with the provision of a bypass and deficient provision of pedestrian facilities on the existing bridge.”