Grave concerns at lack of pull-ins on cemetery road

MOTORISTS have been locked in a ‘stalemate’ with other drivers due to a lack of pull-ins on a narrow road leading to a Clare cemetery.

A meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard calls for the pull-ins to be put in place on the road from Templemaley graveyard to the bottom of Templemaley Hill.

Proposing the action, Councillor Pat Daly outlined that the route is very narrow and is popular with walkers. “Pull-ins are definitely required, people have to reverse back and it’s just not good enough in this day and age.”

Barry Conway, senior executive engineer, told the meeting, “The L-4146-4 at Templemaley is a narrow road bounded on either side by stone walls.

“The addition of pull ins would be most practical in the vicinity of existing gateways or field entrances and would require the cooperation of landowners. Ennis Municipal District will examine the location to identify if suitable locations exist and if so, engage with landowners to see if this proposal can be progressed.”

Councillor Daly expressed the hope that the landowners would co-operate with the council in bringing pull-ins to fruition.

Councillor Mary Howard backed the motion. She pointed out that during funerals there is a one-way system in place, but people are not often aware of that and can end up facing traffic on the narrow route.

She said it can be a “nightmare” for people adding that vehicles are getting bigger leaving less room for manouevre.

She said drivers have been “in a stalemate” because they are unable to move.

“This is something we need to be very proactive on, it is a busy road for walkers and it’s a dangerous road.”

Councillor Johnny Flynn acknowledged funding received for the Ballyalla Loop Walk which he said will improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on the 7km route.

However, he expressed disappointment that two electronic signs were damaged by what is believed to be a rock. “Hopefully it will be repaired and protection will be put in place for them. It is awful to see amenities that are being put in damaged.”

Councillor Daly thanked his fellow councillors for their support saying, “I hope something happens”.