OFFICIALS in the Shannon Municipal District are to begin the process of declassifying the Boreen in Shannon.
Predominantly used by walkers and cyclists, the Boreen or Slí na Mara as it is also known had its status as a pedestrian route reinforced in the Shannon Town Green Infrastructure Plan 2013.
Senior executive engineer in the Shannon Municipal District, Tom Mellett said its office would now begin collaborating with colleagues in the transportation department of Clare County Council to “begin the process of declassifying this road”.
He explained that Section 12 of the Roads Act 1993 can be used to abandon a public road without affecting the public right of way over the road, “there is a requirement to allow for objections and submissions as part of this process”.
A proposal had been lodged by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) asking that the Boreen be designated for pedestrian and cycle use only with exception for emergency or official vehicles. “I didn’t Slí na Mara or Boreen as it is known wasn’t fully pedestrianised,” she admitted at the May meeting of the Shannon MD.
Using the road in case of emergencies is important, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) commented when seconding the motion. He acknowledged the “sensible” response from the senior engineer. “From a safety point of view, some houses are located in the area that the fire services would need access via the road”.
