*Carrigaholt Castle. Photograph: Bob Singer
Calls for the development of a footpath on the approach road to Carrigaholt Castle and Pier have been rejected.
An influx of visitors using the Castle Rd in Carrigaholt was forecasted by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) as he tabled a motion seeking the development of a footpath which would include public lighting at a recent meeting of the West Clare Municipal District.
He explained, “This road is the main road to the pier used by fishermen and residents. It is also the road to Sealyons Fish Store, the car park, and the newly opened access to the castle. At present, there is only one public light at the entrance. With the advent of staycations more and more local people and visitors are using the road”.
No funding is available to carry out the request, senior executive engineer Alan Kennelly stated in response, “the question of re-alignment of the exit onto the main road will be examined”. He praised the community for developing the “lovely access-way into the castle which wasn’t accessible for many years”.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Keating recounted, “Once upon a time it was lover’s walkway but times have changes, it is the gateway to the Castle and the fish shop. It is something that maybe we could do a costing on”.
Funding for piers and pier maintenance must be followed by attempts to make them “more accessible and pedestrian friendly,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) outlined. “The exit onto the road is something that is quite dangerous,” he added.
