SMALL ROADS and lanes in Ballybeg “can be brought up to standard” following extensive improvements on the area’s main access road, elected representatives have confidently affirmed.
An appeal was made by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) for Clare County Council to take in charge the road located on the second right down from the water tower in Ballybeg “so that the lighting and footpath upgrade needs can be finally addressed”.
Administrative officer with the Council, Kieran O’Donnell explained, “the taking in charges department will review the history of this development including the roadway. This will determine what options are open to the Council, what works are required to be carried out and whether the Council can progress the taking in charge of the development under Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act. An update will be provided to members when this review is completed”.
Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Colleran Molloy commented, “This is a well-established neighbourhood in Ballybeg but it doesn’t have a name, I walk there quite a lot and the footpaths are in bad repair”.
“Now that the road has been done all these little small roads and lanes can be brought up to standard, heretofore because of bad standard outside there was no point as they would depreciate quite quickly,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) remarked.
Support was also voiced by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) who noted, “it is a huge walking area, it is important the footpath and lighting is up to standard”.
A fellow walker on the route, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) stated, “Myself and Clare Colleran Molloy have passed each other many times on the roads, the small areas need to be developed, I welcome this from a safety point of view”.
Concluding the discussion, Cllr Colleran Molloy reminded the meeting that she lives in Ballybeg. “It is very good to see the upgrades” and that the final lighting on the set of light posts from the water tower to Kilrush Rd would cap off “very positive” works in the area.
