Updates provided on west Clare Active Travel projects

ACTIVE Travel projects are transforming pedestrian and cyclist access in West Clare, a recent meeting of the municipal district has heard. However, some works cannot proceed until aspects of the design of the West Clare Greenway have been ironed out. 

In response to a question from Councillor Shane Talty, members were updated on a range of projects across the area.

Seeking the update, Councillor Talty said he regularly receives questions about “projects which have been announced but not seen”.

“I fully understand that these are in the pipeline and the Active Travel project have massive visibility,” he said. “My only concern is that some of them are contingent on the Greenway, which is still a number of years away.”

In a written response to the motion, Senior Executive Officer (SE), John O’Malley provided an update on range of works on paths, crossings and lighting installations. 

Mr O’Malley’s response noted that Active Travel is a five-year programme of funding which began in 2021.

“The works submitted to the National Roads Authority for the West Clare MD in 2021 involve works of varying complexities with some of the more straightforward works such as footpath upgrades significantly progressed and other works that require landowner consents, environmental assessments, etc. progressing through the appropriate stages,” it stated.

A summary update outlined that pedestrian bridges from Cree, Doonbeg, Cooraclare and Inagh are currently at design and feasibility stage. The expected construction date is 2023/2024.

Footpaths in Doonbeg, Kildysart and Labasheeda have been completed. Those in Cree are 66% finished. In Cross, Carrigaholt, Kilbaha and Kilrush works have commenced.

In Connolly and Quilty, works are near completion. Paths in both Kilrush and Kilkee are 60% completed. In Kilmaley, works are at the planning and statutory approval phase, with an expected start of construction later this year.

Works to footpaths in Miltown Malbay are 80% completed. The footpath from Ennistymon to Lahinch is complete, and a request made to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for approval to install lighting on the Miltown Road. This is awaiting approval.

In Doolin, a pedestrian crossing at Fitz’s Cross is to be completed the second quarter of this year. A section of footpath between Fitz’s Cross and Roadford to be completed in the third quarter, subject to landowner agreement.

In Spanish Point, the first phase of work on three footpaths is to begin in April. The second phase will be carried out May/June. All works to be complete by end of the year.

In Lisdoonvarna work on pedestrian crossings will begin in the second quarter of this year. 

In Kilrush, the Cappa Pier to the marina is awaiting progress on the Greenway to confirm key link points and further designs required on the route. The target for construction is 2023/2024.

In Lahinch, the cycleway from Cregg Beach is also dependent on progress with the Greenway. That will confirm key link points and further designs required on route.

In Kilkee, a mobility plan for the Strand Line/bandstand area is the subject of a scope and feasibility study which is ongoing currently.

In Kilrush, three-quarters of walkability audit works are complete. In Lissycasey, footpaths are 15% completed, with a detailed design and tender stage ongoing.

In Boston, a pedestrian crossing is complete, while work on a facility for Ruan is to begin this month.