*Clooney Graveyard, Inset: Cllr Pat Hayes
ROAD safety concerns at Clooney Graveyard have prompted calls for warning signage, a traffic survey and possible hedge cutting, while Clare County Council has said responsibility for providing additional graveyard parking rests with the parish.
The issue was raised by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) at the September meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, where he called for safety measures at the graveyard, which is located on a busy road linking the motorway to Henchy’s Cross.
Cllr Hayes also asked the council to explore whether additional parking could be provided to improve safety and accessibility for visitors.
In a written response, Senior Executive Officer and Killaloe Municipal District Meetings Administrator Eoin Troy said the council recognised the safety concerns raised.
However, he said Clooney Graveyard was a parish graveyard and responsibility for its management, including the provision of additional parking within or adjoining the site, rested with the parish.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Hayes said he was “very disappointed” with the response and argued that the council had a responsibility to address road safety concerns.
He said there was no signage telling motorists to slow down and that people walking along the road had experienced near misses.
Cllr Hayes said he believed warning signs were needed at a minimum and called for the council to review the signage in conjunction with the local community.
“This is not going away,” he said.
Cllr Pat Burke (FG), who seconded the motion, said he had also experienced a narrow escape at the location involving a jeep and a box.
Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) supported the motion and said additional graveyard space would help facilitate access. However, he questioned whether signage alone would change driver behaviour and referred to the need for a traffic survey.
Responding to the discussion, Mr Troy said the council could examine signage, hedging and the possibility of carrying out a traffic survey.
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