*Section of the R486 discussed by councillors || Inset: Cathaoirleach for the West Clare MD Cllr Michael Shannon
A WEST Clare road used as part of the EuroVelo cycle network is being considered for strengthening and resurfacing works in 2027, after councillors raised concerns over its condition.
The issue was raised by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) at the July meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, where he called for the L-2058 to be included in the 2027 roadworks programme for strengthening and surfacing works.
Cllr Lynch said the road was “another road” that needed to go on the list, but welcomed the response indicating it would be considered for next year’s programme.
“Hopefully it will be included in next year’s programme,” he said.
Cathaoirleach of the district, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF), seconded the motion, saying he had received calls from people regarding the condition of the road.
Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) supported the motion, saying he had also been hoping to bring forward a motion on the issue.
He said he was aware the municipal district had plans to carry out overlay works on roads, highlighting particular routes along the Wild Atlantic Way towards Fanore where he believed improvements could have a wider benefit.
Cllr Garrihy said rural broadband works had shown the potential of pushing back overgrown verges, which he said were increasingly narrowing roads used by buses and other traffic.
“For a brief second you see the world that it could be where buses and cars can travel because the encroaching verge has been pushed back,” he said.
He said road overlay projects presented an opportunity to both improve surfaces and restore road width, particularly on routes from Lisdoonvarna to Fanore and Ballyreen which are heavily used by tour buses.
In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Alan Kennelly said the L-2058 extends for approximately 8km from its junction with the R473 near Kilrush to the R486 near Knock and also forms part of the EuroVelo cycle network.
Mr Kennelly said the western section of the route has seen resurfacing works completed in recent years and remains in “very good” condition, but acknowledged that some sections in the central portion are in poorer condition.
He said these sections, along with the eastern section towards Knock and Killimer, would be considered for inclusion in the 2027 Schedule of Municipal District Works, subject to available funding and competing priorities.
He added that resurfacing works carried out by the council each year also include drainage works and verge clearance, but said “if we got the money we’d do a lot more roads.”
–Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
