*Lahinch’s main street during The Irish Open. Photograph: Martin Connolly
ADDITION of a second pedestrian crossing on Lahinch’s main street would result in the loss of three parking spaces.
Installation of a pedestrian crossing on the main street of the popular coastal spot was requested by Cllr Shane Talty (FF). “One could be accommodated outside the site of the old garage without impacting on parking along the main street,” he flagged.
Prior to The Irish Open taking place in Lahinch in 2019, the West Clare Municipal District worked with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to look at installing a number of controlled pedestrian crossings in the area.
According to senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Enda MacNamara, “TII were not in favour of a second controlled crossing at the time. The location where most pedestrians cross is on the southern end of the main street, which is not suitable for a controlled pedestrian crossing due to insufficient sight lines”.
He added, “at the time an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing was installed near the old garage which resulted in the loss of one parking spot. If a controlled pedestrian crossing was to be installed at this location, a minimum of three more parking spaces would be lost to comply with national guidelines. If the local businesses are willing to lose three more parking spaces, the West Clare MD office will approach TII to determine if they will revisit the possibility of constructing an additional controlled crossing”.
Cllr Talty suggested that he and local business personnel could meet with the senior engineer to assess if other locations may work. He recalled that TII were not in favour of a crossing by the bottom of the street.
Supporting the proposal, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) commented, “When Lahinch gets busy, it gets really busy and that is a very busy street. I know you might have to sacrifice a few parking spaces, it is not feasible to do at the lower end of the street because you have a sharp turn. I know the crossings are difficult with the flashing light. Push button operated system might work in Lahinch”.
