Lack of NRA signage criticised

COUNTY councillors have slammed the NRA (National Roads Authority) for not providing adequate signage on motorways and dual carriageways around Clare.
At the June meeting of the local authority, it was claimed that Ennis has seen a reduction of between 30 and 40% in visitors since the town was bypassed.
At the council’s meeting this week, Councillor Pat McMahon introduced a motion asking that representations be made to the NRA to ensure that there be “adequate signage” on motorways and dual carriageways, as he claimed it was “essential for travelling motorists to be aware of the facilities and services available off the national route”.
In a written report, Nora Kaye of the council’s planning section stated that the NRA tend to put up signs sparingly. “The NRA tends to receive some criticism in relation to its signage policies, usually because signage does not always provide details of destinations or certain facilities, which some people would expect to see on the signage.
“Policies endeavour to ensure that adequate information is provided in relation to key destinations, local facilities and tourism while at the same time trying to ensure that the extent of information is not excessive to the extent that it can’t easily be read by passing motorists or could become a dangerous distraction from a driver’s point of view,” Ms Kaye said.
Councillor PJ Ryan said that the NRA’s strategy for the Shannon area was “absolutely outrageous” and could damage local business.
“We’re after coming today from a meeting on retail strategy and it’s absolutely ludicrous that they want to take away the signs for Shannon Town.”
He said that the signs for Shannon were in a poor condition. “Some of them are now so green that you wouldn’t know the signs from the trees,” he said.
Councillor Johnny Flynn said that the NRA had to remember what its job was. “They are there to serve the public, not to scoot people from one city to another,” Councillor Flynn said.
Ennis has been hit hard since it was bypassed, he claimed. “Ennis has seen a 30 to 40% reduction in visitors since the bypass. Tourist Information can verify those figures,” the councillor added.
He said that there hadn’t been enough signage introduced and the people were “shooting by at 120km an hour” and that job losses could result.
Councillor Joe Arkins wondered if the council had any power to do anything about the issue.
“Are we just here to talk to ourselves and to amuse the press?”
He suggested that the council put up signs. “If it’s not adequate, let us put up signage and let them (the NRA) take it down,” Councillor Arkins suggested.
Councillor Michael Kelly was also critical of the NRA and said that incorrect spellings of Ballyvaughan, Ennistymon and Corofin have all appeared.