Introduction of segregated cycle lanes on all main approach roads into the county town has been solicited by the Mayor of Ennis.
Funding to introduce segregated cycle lanes on the Kilrush Rd, Lahinch Rd, Gort Rd, Quin Rd and from Clarecastle needs to be applied for by Clare County Council “through one of the relevant funding streams recently announced by Minister Eamon Ryan,” Cllr Paul Murphy proposed at a recent sitting of the Ennis Municipal District.
Oversight for the Active Travel Fund is in the hands of the National Transport Authority (NTA), senior executive engineer with Clare County Council, John Gannon explained. The fund is part of the overall Sustainable Transport Measures Grant (STMG) programme recently announced by Government.
Improving the cycling infrastructure across the county including the provision of segregated cycle lanes “where appropriate” remains “an ambition” of the local authority, Gannon added.
Ennis needs to “piggy back” off the STMG, Cllr Murphy believed. He acknowledged efforts made in the “inner section” of the town. “We’ve spoken about the hinterlands, if children can cycle or walk to school in safe manner it will also bring down the problems with speed”.
As she seconded the motion, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) opined, “Why not do the best we can to maximise funding available for this”.
