CONSTRUCTION works on a traffic calming scheme in Patrick Street, Clarecastle will be completed in 2025 if funding is granted.
Two Clarecastle representatives, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) and Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) flagged the need for traffic calming measures to be introduced in the village.
Citing “ongoing safety concerns expressed by the residents of Clarecastle,” Cllr Guilfoyle urged the Ennis Municipal District to “prioritise the implementation of speed calming measures on Patrick Street. As part of this initiative, I propose that the District Engineer conducts a thorough site assessment to identify the optimal location for a raised pedestrian crossing on Patrick Street. This will enhance the safety for all pedestrians, particularly vulnerable road users such as children and the elderly”.
He added, “Patrick Street in Clarecastle has been highlighted by residents as an area of concern due to frequent speeding and its role as a significant thoroughfare in the community. To ensure the safety and well-being of all road users, it is essential that we address these issues promptly”.
In his proposal, Cllr Murphy requested “that the bad stretch of road, between Considine’s dwelling and Primrose Gardens on the Claremount Road, Clarecastle, is put forward by Ennis Municipal District for the Low Cost Safety Scheme. Road Safety for all would be greatly improved if this was addressed”.
Acting senior executive engineer in the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan issued the same reply to both proposals. He acknowledged the calls for traffic calming, pedestrian safety measures and road safety measures within Patrick Street, Claremount Road and the Lissane Road Junction. “We propose to carry out a complete assessment of the area and prepare an all-encompassing Section 38 application for Elected Members approval. In order to fund this scheme it is our intention to apply to the Department of Transport for funding under the Local Improvement Scheme. Subject to approval of same it would be our intention to carry out the construction works and complete this scheme in 2025”.
Traffic calming and minor road improvements are referred to as a ‘Section 38” development. This is reference to in the Road Traffic Act, 1994 (as amended) which sets out the procedure for carrying out such developments. A road authority may, in the interest of the safety and convenience of road users, provide such traffic calming measures including footpath and cycle track improvements as they consider desirable in respect of public roads in their charge.
Speaking at the Ennis MD, Cllr Guilfoyle commented, “Myself and my comrade, Cllr Murphy have very similar replies, the whole stretch from Patrick Street to Lissane needs to be revisited, I welcome the reply, the sooner we get started on traffic calming would be appreciated by me and everyone else travelling on the road”.
“I welcome Paddy’s response, I’ve had a good chat with him about it,” remarked Cllr Murphy. Seconding the proposals, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said Patrick Street, the Lissane Rd and the Claremount Road experiences “a huge amount of traffic”, he felt any developments on the Roche site would be aided by traffic calming along the stretch of road. Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) also voiced his support.
