INSTALLATION of traffic lights at the junction of Bóthrar Droim and Bóthar na Rinne would be “premature” until a mobility plan for Shannon town was completed, a senior engineer has stated as the current focus is to reduce “unnecessary car use”.

A renewed appeal for safety improvements at the junction were voiced by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) at the January meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. He asked that traffic lights be installed at the junction approaching the shopping centre and for existing lights to be altered “into the design of the junction”.

Junction improvements had previously been sought by the Shannon councillor in January 2019.

Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett outlined that the current government and mobility policy “seeks to encourage more people to choose to walk or cycle, reducing unnecessary car use and creating a high quality urban environment that promotes healthy lifestyle and creates additional footfall in our town centres”.

Active Travel, Town Centre First Policy, Urban Regeneration and Development Fund are among the schemes that have emerged to support this thinking. Mellett confirmed that Active Travel funding for a mobility plan for Shannon town has been made.

Under this application modes of transport will be explored plus desire lines for walking and cycling routes. Ways to improve connectivity between the town centre with adjacent residential, commercial, recreational areas and outer town settlements are also objectives, he said.

An upgrade of the existing pedestrian crossing at the junction has recently been completed, Mellett noted. “It is considered any change would be premature pending the outcome of a more detailed integrated study”.

Repairs to the pedestrian light were acknowledged by Cllr Flynn. On the policies referenced, he flagged that Shannon has an ageing population with people using cars and buses while rhetoric that Shannon Airport passengers need to be encouraged to spend money in the town was recalled. He shared his concern that the town centre first policy will ‘kill rural activity’. The town centre would become more vibrant and accessible if the requested measures were completed, he maintained.

Support for Flynn’s request was issued by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), “it is an extremely busy motion and it is a wonder that someone hasn’t been seriously injured,” she remarked.

Related News

roisin garvey solar panel
Clare one of eleven counties included in solar for schools programme
ge2020 election posters 6
Sitting councillors in Ennis push to have designated area only for election posters
shannon community partnership
Shannon Community Partnership to hold official launch
ennis courthouse tent 24-02-21 4
Teenager said she reported neglect of mother to prevent six year old sister from having the same life
Latest News
bernadette haugh joe cooney dena mcgrath 1-2
Council launch health & wellbeing calendar for 2024
roisin garvey solar panel
Clare one of eleven counties included in solar for schools programme
broadford v éire óg u21 26-11-23 1
Back to back U21B titles for Broadford
st breckans v western gaels doonbeg 26-11-23 shane fitzpatrick fionn doherty 1
St Breckan's seal U21 final spot
ge2020 election posters 6
Sitting councillors in Ennis push to have designated area only for election posters
Premium
clare v cork u20 19-04-23 keith smyth 2
Smyth's return powers Feakle/Killanena to U21A decider
ennis courthouse tent 24-02-21 4
Teenager said she reported neglect of mother to prevent six year old sister from having the same life
court seat
Father signs guilty plea to unauthorised removal of two sons
avenue utd v newmarket celtic 05-11-23 pat mcmahon pops ryan spok 1
Tributes paid to retiring Pat 'Mace' McMahon
river graney
Flooding challenges in River Graney catchment hindering farmers use of their land

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top
Enable Notifications for the latest news and updates OK No thanks