FOLLOWING the completion of recent roadworks, the local authority is proposing a number of road and footpath developments in the Clare village, popular with commuters to Ennis, Shannon and Limerick.
The council have applied to the planning department for “Proposed new parking area, proposed junction upgrades to include raised tables, upgrade of existing parking areas with permeable paving, upgraded paved Public footways, upgrade of existing Pedestrian Crossing, undergrounding of Overhead Services, Street Lighting, Line marking, Signage, Drainage works and all other associated site works” as per the application.
The bulk of the works is proposed to be carried out on the Ennis Road and Ballycar Road, the village’s main thoroughfares. The site layout plan, issued as part of the application, proposes that the existing footpath and pedestrian crossing at the Ennis side of the village be upgraded. As well as this, the existing bicycle repair station located at the Rós Café will be moved to the village’s bike locker. The existing lamppost outside O’Neill’s pub will be replaced with an “8m heritage style public light”, with the junction of Kilnasoolagh Park and the Ennis Road to be raised.
Derry-based paving outfit Tobermore Hard Landscaping is proposed to carry out multiple footpath upgrades as well as undergrounding of overhead lines. The construction of bollards and new kerbs flush with the road surface is also planned to occur throughout the village.
One of the most significant aspects of the proposed development is a potential new tarmac parking area, located to the rear of The Hunter’s Lodge Pub and Varden’s Pharmacy. The 14 space carpark will be added to by landscaped beds and public lighting, helping to reduce traffic congestion in the village’s main roads.
Further bollards will be added throughout the village as well as planters and raised beds. In keeping with plans for the village’s other junction, the convention of Ballycar Road and the Limerick Road will be raised with existing footpaths and lampposts along this route to also be upgraded.
A decision on the major development is scheduled to be made by the 30th of August. Submissions and objections can be issued to Clare County Council up until the 6th of July.
