Whitegate crossing must be made safer

A child could be injured crossing the road in Whitegate because of the lack of a proper pedestrian crossing, it has been claimed.
Councillor Pat Burke asked Clare County Council to provide a solution to make the pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the GAA field at Whitegate much safer.
Following recent resurfacing of the regional road, Councillor Burke told a recent Killaloe Electoral Area meeting that some vehicles are now being driven at excessive speeds, while local children thought they had a right to cross at this location.
He warned that tourists and visitors are not aware of this crossing. “I am looking for a better solution at this location,” he said.
Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Hayes, he said this problem was on the agenda for the last 10 or 12 years and noted this was the only facility where local children could cross.
Councillor Hayes agreed a better solution needed to be implemented by the council.
Electoral Area chairman, Councillor Joe Cooney, who tabled a motion on this issue two years ago, requested more signage and advance warning be provided to advise motorists of this crossing.
Councillor Cooney noted a very good job was done highlighting a crossing near Tulla hurling field.
Senior executive engineer, Seán Lenihan pointed out the arrangement near Whitegate GAA field was not a recognised pedestrian crossing in accordance with the traffic management guidelines or traffic signs manual.
Mr Lenihan presumed that a recognised pedestrian crossing wasn’t put in place due to the low volumes of traffic at the location.
He pointed out the situation in Tulla was different, as the hurling field was located on the side of a busy regional road compared to Whitegate, which wouldn’t have the same usage.
“The lining currently at this location is to increase driver awareness of possible pedestrians and also to encourage pedestrians to use the one location while crossing the road in the interests of safety.
“If the lining needs to be replaced, this will be arranged in the coming weeks. The council can add this to the list that is being considered for discretionary funding for the next year. It is within the speed limit and is lowly trafficked.
Councillor Hayes agreed that something needed to be done to address the signage issue immediately.