Renewed appeals have been issued to tackle speeding on a busy ‘connector road’ by Ennis councillors.

Claiming that “dangerous speeding” was occurring on the L4118 in Gaurus and Ballaghboy in Doora, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) requested the addition of new road markings and enhanced lighting.

Residents, pedestrians and cyclists in the area were finding themselves at health and safety risks according to Colleran Molloy. She said the road was used “as a short-cut from the bypass to the Quin Rd and on to Roslevan by tractors during mart days, articulated vehicles and regular vehicles”.

Last year, speed limit repeater signs were installed at the location, acting senior executive engineer Ian Chaplin stated. He confirmed a traffic survey would be conducted with the results to be forwarded to An Garda Síochána if required. Lining at the junctions and the potential of adding new markings would be examined by the Ennis Municipal District, he said.

Over thirty people have put their name to a petition seeking improvements on the road, Cllr Colleran Molloy told the September meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. “There was a lot of walking going on that road during the COVID, one man said the speeding has got worse. I think for the most part people heed the VMS signs”.

Lighting and “serious drain problems” have also persisted in the area, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) highlighted as he seconded the motion. “I know Cllr Daly was working on this since 2004. It is a very busy stretch of road, I walk it regularly and it is dangerous”.

Joining the discussion, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) observed, “From the motorway this road to Roslevan and Clooney the speed is like a motorway and it is dangerous”. Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) recalled, “It was a black spot there for fly tipping and it seems to have been dealt with”.