Home » Regional » Ennis » New road prompts safety warning from council

New road prompts safety warning from council

Car Tourismo Banner

School warden Marie Cunningham guides pupils from the Holy Family Junior School across the road to highlight the importance of safety at school crossings due to the increase in traffic coming from the inner relief road.  Photograph by Declan MonaghanFOLLOWING last week’s official opening of a new section of the Ennis Inner Relief Road project, Ennis Town Council has appealed to motorists to exercise caution in the vicinity of the Holy Family Junior and Senior Schools on Friars’ Walk.
The local authority says the opening to traffic of the new single-carriageway road has led to an increase in traffic along the remainder of the Inner Relief Road, which includes a school crossing on Friars’ Walk.
“This newly opened section of road linking Station Road with the Clare Road will have a significant positive impact on traffic and I would appeal to all road users to comply with the rules of the road,” explained Leonard Cleary, Ennis Town Clerk.
Mr Cleary said Ennis Town Council has written to the principals of the Holy Family Junior and Senior Schools asking them to notify parents of the importance of motorists strictly adhering to double yellow lines and junction boxes close to the school.    
“With increased traffic in the school area, the traffic flow along the new Inner Relief Road and Friars’ Walk will have to be maintained without disruption. Therefore, it is important motorists strictly adhere to double yellow lines and junction boxes close to the Holy Family School. With regard to the two lay-bys, these must only be used for dropping off and picking up children and not for parking. We also appeal for the co-operation of motorists and parents or guardians with the school warden as it is important for the safety of children,” Mr Cleary added.
According to Clare County Council’s road safety officer, Barry Keating, “In line with the National Operating Guidelines and Procedures for School Wardens, school wardens have been supplied with a new highly reflective uniform including ‘STOP’ sign, coat and hat. We would ask users of this road to be aware of the school wardens and not to do anything that could impede or jeopardise road safety. The school wardens provide a valuable service and their role is dependent on all road users obeying their instructions and the road markings and not parking vehicles on double yellow lines that could hinder sight lines.”
Meanwhile, Mr Keating reminded motorists travelling throughout Ennis to exercise caution when approaching other school crossings, including those located at the CBS Primary, Cloughleigh National School and Ennis National.
Up to 4,500 vehicles per day use the Ennis Inner Relief Road. Ennis Town Council says the completed section of the Inner Relief Road improves traffic flow to the town centre for customers and visitors and reduces traffic congestion in the Station Road and Upper O’Connell Street area of the town.

 

About News Editor

Check Also

Council accused of a ‘cheap job’ on Hermitage Road

RESIDENTS of one of Ennis’ most historic housing estates have been left “hugely disappointed” with …