Lighting will not be installed along the River Walk in Shannon due to a predicted “negative impact” on the bird and animal life in the vicinity.
An appeal for the installation of street lighting along the Shannon Loop and River Walk was voiced by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) at a recent meeting of the Shannon Municipal District which was supported by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND).
COVID-19 restrictions led to an increased amount of people “using the walkway as a form of exercise and with evenings coming in quicker now this leaves less daylight time to walk there,” she stated.
Senior executive engineer, Aidan O’Rourke noted that the location referenced was “an off-road trail in an area of natural beauty and biodiversity”. The trails “are intended for use in daylight,” he commented.
O’Rourke added, “Installation of lighting would have a negative impact on the bird and animal life in the location and would also likely require a further upgrade to the trail surface to prevent trip hazard”.
Completion of a Slí na Slainte route along the Bealach Buí, Bóthar Linne and Bóthar na Rinne route to cater for the winter provided was prioritised by Clare County Council as an alternative, the senior engineer detailed.
Responding to the views expressed, Cllr McGettigan acknowledged the reasons identified by the local authority. “There are issues along the pathways outside the town hall which has a lot of kids going in. The footpaths need to be addressed,” she said.
