Filter lane proposed for Knockalough cross

AN appeal by West Clare county councillors for Clare County Council to install filter lanes at the Crossroads pub Knockalough in on the Ennis-Kilrush Road and at Bansha and Ballyea crosses, on the same road, will not result in any action until next year at the earliest. AN appeal by West Clare county councillors for Clare County Council to install filter lanes at the Crossroads pub Knockalough in on the Ennis-Kilrush Road and at Bansha and Ballyea crosses, on the same road, will not result in any action until next year at the earliest.
The National Roads Authority provided the funding for improvement works for the N68 under an annual programme.
“The works can be submitted for the 2011 Roads Programme but it will be dependent on priorities and funding available,” Cyril Feeney of Clare County Council explained.
“It’s very important that we improve our junctions,” Councillor Pat Keane commented. “An example of this is the job that Clare County Council did in Kilrush at the junction for the Doonbeg road. I think it’s a fantastic job that has been done there. Long overdue but I would encourage that we would try and get the NRA to fund these other projects. They are a huge safety measure when they are put in place,” he noted.
Proposing the motion, Councillor Gabriel Keating said that at least two additional filter lanes should be put in place, along with one at the Knockalough turn-off for Kilmihil.
“The same applies at Bansha Cross and the same applies at Ballyea [Cross]. In view of the fact that the road appears to have been narrowed, we have no hard shoulder along there now, I think it would expedite the traffic to Kilkee if there was a filter lane at all three junctions. It’s not a major job at Knockalough. There’s room there. There’s also room at Bansha and at Ballyea crosses. Anything we can do to help things is appreciated,” Councillor Keating said.
Mayor of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin said that the Kilmihil-Doonbeg Road is an important route, although he suggested that more signs for Kilmihil should be put in place.
“A start has been made in enhancing that crossroads and I think this proposal is a further dimension to it. It’s leading on to the Doonbeg international golf course, onto Kilkee and onto the village of Kilmihil. I think the village of Kilmihil is not adequately signed for what it is. It’s a very vibrant village,” he maintained.