A NEW funding stream for works on former national roads will be exploited by the local authority for an upgrade of the old N18, writes Jessica Quinn.

A meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard calls by Councillor Pat Daly for an upgrade of the road from Kelly’s Corner out to Cois na hAbhaine on the Gort Road.

Barry Conway, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded, “In 2021 the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport introduced a new funding stream which allows local authorities to apply for funding to resurface the former national road network.

“Funding has been sought by this office for the former national roads in the district including the R458 Gort Road (formerly the N18).

“Members will be updated in the coming months as soon as the 2022 grants have been awarded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.”

Councillor Daly welcomed the response, saying when the funding is available he would like to see some works done “because the road is in a bad way at the moment”.

Councillor Mary Howard backed the motion, commenting “some works are needed along that section to ensure the safety of those in cars, pedestrians and cyclists”. Councillor Paul Murphy commented that he regularly cycles in the area with his cycling club and he has seen first hand “bad spots”.

Another road in the local area was brought to the attention of the Ennis Municipal District at its monthly meeting with the installation of a mini-roundabout on a busy Clarecastle road deemed “essential” by Councillor Daly.

Concerns about sight-lines on the Old Road side of the junction with Patrick Street were raised in a motion by Councillor Murphy.

He asked that consideration be given to the installation of a mini roundabout at the junction of Old Road and Patrick Street, Clarecastle.

“The sight-lines on the Old Road side of this junction are very bad and a roundabout would improve matters greatly,” he said.

John Gannon, Senior Executive Engineer, responded, “A contract has been recently awarded, associated with Roche Demolition Application, that will improve sight-lines at this junction. The junction will be monitored to assess the operational impacts of works.”

Councillor Murphy said he was “fairly satisfied” with the response, stating that the roundabout may not be necessary as a result of the planned works to improve sight-lines.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Ann Norton.Councillor Pat Daly however still insisted that a roundabout is needed.

“It’s a very, very busy junction with a lot of traffic coming down it. A mini-roundabout would be ideal. It is essential.”

He urged the council’s engineers to look again at the location saying motorists find it “very hard to get out of”.