*Photograph: Gary Collins
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS have been appointed to model the redesign of Clareabbey Roundabout.
Members of the road design office in Clare County Council met with officials of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) on two occasions during the month of January.
Senior executive engineer with the Council, John Gannon said TII “have confirmed that their appointed engineering consultants are modelling the roundabout redesign which includes improved and enhanced pedestrian and cycling connectivity and will revert with their findings when this element is completed”.
Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) who has consistently called for safety improvements at the roundabout said at this month’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, “It is lethal there at the best of times with speed from the dual carriageway from the Limerick side”.
He was hopeful the designs from TII would make the location safer for the young and the elderly.
Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) observed, “it is good to hopefully see progress on this long-running situation”. Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) added, “It is utmost priority, anyone that goes onto the roundabout at any time it is shocking the amount of traffic that is there”.
Speed of traffic at Clareabbey Roundabout is “quite frightening,” remarked Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG). “I know the last speed limit review, we considered the reduction of the speed limit on the N85, was that considered and has it had any impact,” he asked.
Leonore O’Neill, senior executive officer for the Ennis MD advised the meeting “any speed limit review on a national primary or secondary road must have the support of TII, they are under the control of TII not the local authority”. She committed to reverting back to councillors with any additional information.
