*A proposed outlook of the Clare Rd.
ENNIS is choked with traffic and the people of Clare need to get out of their cars, local members of the Green Party have said.
A three-page submission to the draft Ennis local transport plan has been made by the Clare Green Party ahead of Friday’s (July 11th) deadline.
Bridget Ginnity (GP), the Ennis area representative for the party stressed the need for “genuine consultation” to allow all stakeholders “discuss and resolve all issues that arise so that we move to a healthier and more pleasant town and minimise any disadvantages that might arise”.
Creating a town “where traffic is reduced, streets are vibrant and businesses thrive,” is the focus of the plan Bridget said. “Ennis is a medieval town, so it was built in a time without cars, when people walked everywhere or at best had a donkey and cart. That means it is ideal for getting about on foot, and using bikes and public transport for longer distances”.
She added, “A car is convenient and essential for many people but there are drawbacks. Is sitting in a traffic jam, ferrying ourselves and our children a few km from here to there, really the best way to live? Ennis is choked with traffic at the moment and walking along our noisy and polluted roads isn’t pleasant. Cycling is dicing with death, no wonder so few of us do it. The Plan aims to change all that. It’s clear how much better it is for school children getting to school under their own steam, better for their minds, bodies and social lives. And think how much a two-car family would save if they could manage with one”.
Ginnity agreed with the concerns raised about the proposal to make the Mill Road one way. “There are possible solutions that provide pedestrians and cyclists with a safe and convenient route and yet traffic is not brought onto currently quiet streets. One possibility is that the Mill Road remains two way but a footpath is added where there is currently none. Cyclists heading south from the river could cycle along the existing riverside cycleway, while cyclists heading north could use the small lanes and streets running largely parallel to the Mill Road. The cycling distances are slightly longer but the routes are more pleasant than being beside traffic”.
In its submission, the Clare Green Party commended Clare County Council on what it labelled a “visionary and much-needed travel plan”. Signed by Susan Griffin, it stressed, “all measures implemented require proactive communication and promotion within the community for an extended period after introduction in order to effect behavioural change and to displace private car use. Collaboration with schools is extremely important; short in-school presentations of new cycle and bus routes as well as timetables would make our young people feel like they have a voice”.
Replacing roundabouts with signal junctions was welcomed by the Greens. “For cycle lanes that will be developed, we suggest that priority is given to improving the unsafe sections of the route to key destinations”. They suggested priority be given to achieving a large number of small but effective interventions as quickly as possible. We consider that increased permeability within housing developments gives a quick win, but acknowledge the concern of residents”. Measures to support use of scooters need to be included in the plan, Griffin flagged.
Ennis’ town bus service should have “no-fare or half-fare days to promote initial uptake”. High priority should also be given to the provision of adequate car parking in the town. They also suggested repurposing the covered market car park as a town centre playground that it could also provide covered bike stands and bike trailers.
Safe walking and cycling facilities must be incorporated into plans for the Mill Rd, the submission flagged. “A pedestrian/cycle route is only as safe as its most dangerous spot and at present this section is highly dangerous for pedestrians. When any section is dangerous, the entire route will not be used by most. We urge genuine consultation to reach an acceptable solution. We also recognise that if other elements are successful that the traffic flow is likely to be significantly reduced from at present. An interim solution of a narrow footpath and a cycle route on the Old Mill road may be feasible”.
