*Blake’s Corner. Photograph: Bob Singer
A HIGH COURT decision has dismissed an application to bring a judicial review challenge against the CPO for the Ennistymon inner relief road.
Ennistymon’s notorious traffic blackspot Blake’s Corner is among the main aspects of the inner relief road. The project has been in the offing since 2017 and has been subject to several delays akin to motorists stuck when travelling from Ennistymon to Lahinch.
On Tuesday, Clare County Council announced the project would now proceed to the next stage but nothing is plain sailing when it comes to Blake’s Corner with some insiders warning that the High Court case will not be approved until November 4th.
A spokesperson for the County Council said they in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) “will now proceed to the next stages of the N67/N85 Ennistymon Inner Relief Road project”. This follows a decision in the High Court to dismiss an application for leave to bring a judicial review challenge against the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the inner relief road. The next stages of the project will include detailed design development, conclusion of the land acquisition and planning for the construction phase.
Back in 2017, a part eight planning application for the inner relief road was proposed by Cllr Bill Slattery (FG). In June 2020, Clare County Council published the Blake’s Corner CPO, the associated oral hearing for this was held in June 2021 with An Bord Pleanála granting the CPO approval in September 2022.
As part of the scheme, a new bridge will be constructed approximately 80m upstream of the existing Michael Conway Bridge. The existing bridge, a protected 7-arch masonry bridge, will be pedestrianised and a plaza will be constructed at the western end. The scheme will include other enhancements to the area, including footpath improvements and enhanced crossing arrangements, landscaping, lighting and services enhancements, and other ancillary elements.
Historical traffic congestion issues in Ennistymon will be addressed as part of the inner relief road. A review of previous studies of the junction at Blake’s Corner, a traffic modelling assessment of the improvement options and a design of an improvement scheme have all been carried out to find the most appropriate solution to deal with the longstanding traffic problems in Ennistymon.
No definitive start date for construction has been confirmed, Director of Service for Housing Delivery, Infrastructure Provision & Land Activation with Clare County Council Alan Farrell, admitted. “The Council remains fully committed to progressing the project in a timely and responsible manner, with regular updates to be provided to the public as milestones are reached”.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) said the High Court decision was “a major step forward for Ennistymon and the wider North Clare area. The Inner Relief Road will significantly reduce traffic congestion in the town centre, improve safety for pedestrians and vulnerable road users, and help create a more accessible, attractive, and user-friendly town environment for both residents and visitors. By diverting traffic away from the town centre, the new road will also improve access to the Cliffs of Moher and surrounding areas; support sustainable tourism and local economic development; enhance the quality of life for residents; and protect the historic character of Ennistymon”.
Cllr Shane Talty (FF) welcomed the step but flagged “there may still be avenues of appeal open to affected property owners”. He added, “I hope that once the legal process concludes definitely that the TII will give the required priority funding of this project and ensure construction can commence as soon as is practicable”.
Save Ennistymon’s Heritage held a meeting on Tuesday night to discuss the High Court decision. “This was the last impediment to the construction of the Relief Road Scheme which involved the construction of a new bridge over the River Inagh in the town. As a result the construction works can now proceed. Ennistymon has been held back because of the traffic difficulties associated with the existing bridge. This scheme will be a considerable boost to the town and the whole of North Clare. This relief road scheme helps secure an important element of the historic fabric of Ennistymon, the old bridge and Blakes/Linnanes corner. Save Ennistymon’s Heritage welcomes this development and will be glad to play a continued role in helping advance the scheme,” a spokesperson for the group told The Clare Echo.
