TRAFFIC calming and safety are to be boosted in Tulla and Kilkishen, following the approval of works by members of the Killaloe Municipal District. Both projects have been eagerly anticipated by elected representatives and local communities alike. However, there was a qualified welcome for the work in Tulla, where one local representative said further work will be needed to fully address issues on the ground, especially in light of new housing developments on the Gort Road. In Tulla, traffic calming will be carried out on the R462 Regional Road at Church Road and Ennis Road. The works were proposed by Councillor Joe Cooney and seconded by Councillor Pat Hayes. “I really welcome the fact that the issue at the primary school will be addressed,” Councillor Cooney said. “It will be now be safer for children, staff and parents. Great credit is due to Council for all of the efforts to-date. More does need to be done. no scheme is achieved …
Read More »Councillor ‘baffled’ over reluctance to install speed ramps
THE cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District has described himself as “baffled” as to the raft of regulations on the installation of traffic calming ramps. Councillor Alan O’Callaghan made his remarks as he called for ramps to be put in place as a safety measure for those using the school and playground in Kilkishen. In response to his motion, he was told that the installation of ramps at the location would have to meet the requirements of the Road Traffic Act (1994) and involve a public consultation process. The Fianna Fáil member thanked Senior Executive Engineer (SEE) Derek Troy the “huge work” already done at school in Kilkishen. “Speeding is still cropping up all the time,” Councillor O’Callaghan insisted. “I’m only here since 2014, but I feel that since then, only one speed ramp has been put in. I think there’s a feeling that we’re going to try everything bar a ramp. There are ramps in Newmarket, Sixmilebridge, Shannon, and …
Read More »Appeal to be made for action over speed limits in Clare village
SERIOUS concern has been expressed about speeding through the village of Clooney, despite recent measures to slow traffic there to 50kph. The matter was raised at the recent meeting of Killaloe district councillors, when Councillor Pat Hayes called for the speed limit reduction to be extended on the Ennis side of the village. After being told that limits are reviewed every five years by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Councillor Hayes urged the Council to use an appeals mechanism to progress the issue. “Exceptional work has been done in Clooney and I’m only talking about the Ennis side of the village,” Councillor Hayes said. “We are all very proud of the work and a fine job has been done. If anyone is assessing the situation from the Ennis side, you’ll see that the speed signs are on the bend. You’re in the village before you see them. They are hidden to some degree.” The Caher man thanked the Council for a …
Read More »Ennis residents ‘very frustrated’ at wait for traffic calming
THE frustration of residents in Corrovorrin who are awaiting the introduction of much sought after traffic calming measures has been highlighted at a meeting of Ennis councillors. Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Councillor Johnny Flynn commented, “The residents of Corrovorrin are getting very frustrated, they are wondering when the work will be done.” He said that locals had hoped to see works progressing over the summer months, when schools are closed, however the works are now not likely to go ahead until the autumn or winter. The councillor raised the issue as he proposed that in addition to the proposals for Corrovorrin, that the council look at providing additional traffic calming measures east and west of the railway bridge. He pointed out that there are 15,000 vehicles a day on the main Tulla Road, suggesting pedestrian crossings should be introduced in locations such as the Lifford Road and New Road junctions. He said there is an …
Read More »Green light for Ennis traffic calming works
THE green light has been given for traffic calming measures to be introduced in Ennis at a location where cars are travelling at speeds “way past any acceptable level”. A special meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard details of the proposed works at Cappahard on the Tulla Road and a local route known as The Lane. The project involves the construction of a new footpath from Cappahard Lane to where it meets the Tulla Road. Works will include the installation of kerbing and tarmac footpath, dished kerbing, tactile paving, signage, road gullies and the installation of drainage pipes. The plans also include road markings, and additional ducts for eight lighting lamp standards. The project went out to public consultation and four submissions were received. Among the submissions there were calls for signage to denote ‘Children at Play’ with one stating, “There are some cars which travel at speed which would be way past any acceptable level.” Councillor Johnny Flynn …
Read More »Clarecastle €200,000 revamp to boost village
THE village of Clarecastle is set for a €200,000 makeover which is hoped will bring an economic boost to the local area. Public consultation has begun for the proposed Town and Village Renewal Scheme which will be mainly centred in the heart of Clarecastle. Among the planned improvements will be the inclusion of street furniture and sculptures, traffic calming and landscaped areas. It is anticipated that these works will have the potential to encourage new businesses to set up in Clarecastle, giving a much-needed shot in the arm to the local economy following Roche’s decision to close its plant there. Local councillor Paul Murphy has described the works as a “positive move” for the village. “These proposed works will enhance the centre of the village and it is hoped that this will make the village more attractive to businesses. There are some vacant units here and these works, which will increase the attractiveness of Clarecastle, will have the potential of …
Read More »Satefy petition over Kilkishen NS
IMPROVEMENT works and safety measures are to be considered and put in place to slow down traffic at Kilkishen National School, after a petition was submitted to members of the Killaloe Municipal District. Councillor Alan O’Callaghan called on Clare County Council to carry out works at the school to slow traffic, in the interest of the health and safety of children. At last week’s meeting of the municipal district, a petition with approximately 80 signatures was handed in on behalf of locals who were confirming these concerns. Responding, Hugh McGrath, senior executive engineer, said, “It is accepted that there are safety concerns at this location relating to traffic in the vicinity of the school. We are to carry out improvement works to the road surface at this location in the coming months.” In advance of the works, Mr McGrath said the local authority will give consideration to any measures that may improve road safety at this location in consultation with …
Read More »Issue with traffic calming at Bunratty
THE lack of traffic calming measures at one of the county’s top tourist attractions has been highlighted. Councillor John Crowe, at a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, has urged “that traffic calming measures to be installed in Bunratty Village due to the large volume of traffic passing through and for the safety of pedestrians in this area”. He pointed out, “This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the county with a large volume of buses and cars every day. There is no facility for traffic management. This needs to be done sooner rather than later”. Eugene O’Shea, senior executive engineer for the district, responded, “In order to determine whether traffic calming measures are warranted in Bunratty Village, a detailed traffic survey will have to be undertaken and arrangements to have this survey carried out will be made as soon as possible”. Councillor PJ Ryan supported Councillor Crowe’s call saying, “You don’t need any survey, just stand on …
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