A “DANGEROUS” stretch of road in Ennis needs to be lit up with more and more walkers using the route, a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District has been told. Councillor Mark Nestor proposed at the meeting that the local authority request Clare County Council “explore the possibility of installing public lighting on the Golf Links road”.
The councillor said that he has received numerous complaints about the lack of lighting from members of the public saying it is a popular location for walkers. “They told me this is a very dangerous stretch of road in the darkness. We are all very much aware that we are limited to our 5km due to Covid-19 restrictions and this is a very popular loop,” he said.
Eamon O’Dea, Senior Engineer, responded, “The Ennis Municipal District recommended planning conditions on developments at Ballymacaulla, Beechpark for a special contribution to cover the cost of the provision of public lighting on Circular Road from Golf Links Road to Drumbiggle Rd. Junction. The Woodhaven Development’s scheme is under construction and an Bord Pleanala approved the Abadair scheme in December 2020 and the Ennis MD Office will inquire from the Planning Section regarding the special contributions for the provision of public lighting on Circular Road.”
Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy seconded the motion, saying the issue of lighting is a recurring one. “I do feel there seems to be a scarcity of funding sources for public lighting.”
Councillor Ann Norton also voiced her support, stating that adequate lighting is “hugely important” in areas where members of the public walk, but there is still a question of where the funding can be obtained.
The “health and safety risk” of another walking route was highlighted by Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy. The councillor outlined that sections of footpath on the Kilrush Road at the Gallows Hill entrance have “serious gaps and holes” and she called on the council to examine the area for resurfacing.
Mr O’Dea, informed the meeting, “The footpaths will be inspected and included for consideration in the Roadworks Programme 2021.” Councillor Mark Nestor seconded the motion and expressed the hope that the situation will be rectified in the future.
And in a separate motion, Councillor Pat Daly asked the council to consider putting down a footpath between Lissane Cross and Green Lawn, Clarecastle saying, “it is a very popular area for walkers.”
Mr O’Dea responded, “Ennis Municipal District has a number of locations within the urban and suburban areas of Ennis and Clarecastle where provision of footpaths are required. It is unlikely that funding would be available for the extension of footpaths into the more rural areas at this time.” Councillor Daly stated he hoped the works would be considered in the future.