INVESTMENT in main roads plus the creation of a cycling and walking lane between Lisdoonvarna and Doolin can help to discourage rat runs, local representatives have suggested.
Calls for the completion of a feasibility study on the prospect of linking the North Clare settlements “as part of mobility planning in the area” were made by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) at a recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District.
Senior executive engineer, Enda MacNamara cautioned that “significant studies and surveys would be required to assess possible routes over a 7km distance between the two settlements”. He said the area office would assess the extent of works required for a cycling and pedestrian lane. “A funding source would then need to be identified in order to proceed with the study,” he flagged.
Small bits of infrastructure like this can help to boost the West Clare Greenway, Cllr Garrihy believed. “It is one of the most trafficked areas in the country, as the Director said it’s about prioritisation, it’s about safe mobility. You will discourage rat runs and use of unsuitable runs when you invest in the main roads,” he stated.
“Compatible connections between small communities, parking issues and congestion can be alleviated by linkages and it can have an exponential benefit to the economic viability and sustainability of these towns. I hope these type of initiatives would also be prioritised,” the Lisdoonvarna man added.
Existing resources need to be strengthened for the Greenway to progress, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said. “When we’re looking from Ennis to Kilkee, lots of roads that are under used, they need a little bit of investment to upgrade them, make the best use of the resource that is there.
