EFFORTS are being made to ease congestion caused by traffic accessing popular water-based activities at Bruach na Sionna in O’Briensbridge.
The issue was raised by Councillor Tony O’Brien at the Killaloe Municipal District meeting, when he asked for action to be taken. “€200,000 has been allocated for water-based activities which is welcome,” he said. “At the moment, there are parking issues in the area, especially for households on the lower side of the bridge who have difficulties getting out onto the road. It’s great to see the action on the water but the residents are being discommoded and that’s the last thing we want. There is a carpark there and we need more people to be using that. I would be hopeful that with dialogue between Waterways Ireland and other stakeholders, there will be a solution in the near future.”
Seconding the motion, Councillor Joe Cooney said that he had also been contacted by people experiencing difficulties getting in and out of their properties. “Once there’s consultation, the increase in funding is welcome,” he said. “We must think of local people too. If greater use could be made of the carpark, that would be great.”
In a written reply, Niamh Madden Senior Executive Engineer (SEE) outlined how
a meeting has been held between Clare County Council and Waterways Ireland in order to address any potential concerns around parking that may arise over the latter’s proposed canoe trails project. “It has been agreed that Waterways Ireland will communicate with the kayak club and with the dragon boat club, with a view to encouraging members to park in the nearby carpark adjacent to the playground in O’Briensbridge,” the reply said. “A further meeting will be held with Waterways Ireland to decide upon the best locations for proposed signage to direct water users towards existing car parking facilities within the village. The Killaloe Municipal District will monitor the parking situation in this area and decide upon additional measures to help alleviate congestion, should the need arise.”