Illegal parking ‘destroys amenity’

COUNCILLORS in North Clare have lambasted the “huge problem” of illegal parking by caravans and campervans in Clahane, Liscannor, which “destroys the amenity”.

 

Speaking at an Ennistymon Electoral Area Committee meeting recently, Councillor Richard Nagle called on the council to put up height restriction barriers and signs at Clahane to stop this practice.

Stephen Lahiffe, senior executive engineer, Ennistymon, said the council will investigate the possibility of the erection of a barrier or other measures at Clahane but noted, “the L5136 is a busy through road with private dwellings and farmers using it. Careful consideration will have to be given to the requirements of local residents before we make any decision on height-restriction barriers.” Mr Lahiffe also said the local authority recently erected a barrier at Bishops Quarter beach following complaints from local residents.

Councillor Nagle said he believes the local authority will get the full support of the local people, who have to “endure” illegal parking at Clahane, adding that the situation for them has now “become intolerable”.

“Once you have a problem with this illegal parking it destroys the amenity for the local people and tourists alike,” warned Councillor Nagle.

Councillor Michael Kelly voiced similar concerns, saying illegal parking is a “huge problem that is costing Clare County Council an awful lot of money”. He accused the National Roads Authority of leaving “several ideal locations that practically invited people to illegally park” along the M18 and questioned why the NRA didn’t install wooden fencing.

He added, “We’d all love to accommodate people but illegal parking is a huge problem and the NRA has left an opening for illegal parking and Clare County Council should not be responsible for these open areas.”

Councillor Bill Slattery condemned alleged “intimidation” by people parking illegally and called for a change in the law to facilitate moving these vehicles without the need for a court order.
“Can the law not be changed so we don’t have to get a court order? Why can’t they be removed straight away, just like ordinary people?” he asked.

Mr Lahiffe stated that consultation with local people about the possible installation of a barrier at Clahane is likely to begin in September. Councillor Nagle requested that this start immediately as “this problem generally gets worse in August. This is the national holiday month and also the month the court service goes on holidays.”

Mr Lahiffe told the meeting, “our resources are limited but stretched at the moment,” and pointed out the problem of illegal parking is not limited to North Clare but stretches across the county.

Councillor Nagle asserted, “The area under greatest pressure is Clahane. The problem in Bishops Quarter has been resolved but the problem in Clahane remains.”

The Ennistymon councillor asked for the issue to be “treated as a priority because every year this occurs and there is only one solution and that is a barrier”.