*Loop Head.
PART of a European cycling route in West Clare is not fit for a tricycle never mind a bike, a county councillor has quipped.
West Clare’s wild Atlantic coastline is included on the 10,650km long EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route. The route also visits the majestic fjords of Norway, the rough cliffs of Brittany and the sun-kissed beaches of Portugal.
Section 20 of the Atlantic Coast Route is where cyclists first come across Co Clare, on the shoulder of Woodcock Hill. The route continues onto Sixmilebridge, Fenloe Lake, Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen, into Quin and then stopping in Clarecastle.
Clarecastle is the opening of the Clare phase of the EuroVelo route moving along the Shannon Estuary Way via Ballynacally and Labasheeda before moving to Kilrush.
On the official guide for the Kilrush to Kilkee section which encompasses the Loop Head Peninsula, the road surface is described as “generally moderate and well rideable on asphalted roads however some sections are showing signs of degradation and care needs to be exercised. Roads are generally peaceful and traffic volumes low on the route however traffic speed and volume can be high on the N67 section between Moyasta and Lisdeen”.
From Kilkee, section 23 travels to Doolin and this is then the starting point for the final section which leads onto Kinvara.
In a proposal before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) encouraged Clare County Council to seek separate and additional funding from the European Union “given the extensive parts of the Clare coastline from Clarecastle to Kinvara which form part of the EuroVelo1 route”. She believed the EU could provide extra funds for the upgrade and maintenance of the road network.
Senior executive engineer in the transportation section of the Council, Anne O’Sullivan explained that the upgrade and maintenance of the road network pavements was funded by the Department of Transport through the restoration improvement and restoration maintenance grants”.
She added, “in relation to specific European funding opportunities for pavement maintenance and improvement on EuroVelo routes it has been indicated by the national coordinator of EuroVelo Ireland that specific European funding for EuroVelo routes may only be available for dedicated cycling infrastructure rather than shared public roads. We will revert with confirmation of eligibility if it becomes available”.
Elected representatives were advised by O’Sullivan that the preparation of the three year multi-annual plan for the restoration improvement schemes is due to commence and they will be able to make representations regarding “roads of concern”.
Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr McInerney outlined that she has also flagged the matter with an MEP. “The majority of the Clare coast makes up a chunk of our road network,” she stated. “If you go back to Cross and take the road that is supposed to be on EuroVelo route I wouldn’t put a tricycle on it. The condition of it is just atrocious, it is a catch 22, they are designed to be A less frequented road, coming from Kilkee they encourage you to go down by Corbally and Farraghy and onto the N67,” the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD added.
Backing the call, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) commented, “it is a pity that such money has been made throughout the country, there is no funding coming to maintain it, it is an embarrassment, we can’t cycle out the road anymore and we expect tourists to do it”. He was frustrated with the lack of progress done to improve roads in West Clare.
“My heart goes out to these cyclists on these rural roads, they are meeting a tractor and are jumping into the hedges. What must be their feedback on it, it has to have been a frightening experience, I’m not sure the EU would keep funding it if they were getting a feedback report,” remarked Cllr Shane Talty (FF).
Acting Director of Service, John O’Malley responded, “the feedback coming back is that they are up to a good standard which might be surprising”. Cllr Talty questioned, “is it Eamon Ryan that cycled them” to which O’Malley pointed out that the surveys had come back from the transport section of the Council.
