*Traffic on the Tulla Rd. Photograph: Gary Collins

Creation of a post focused on active and sustainable travel in Clare would reduce the dependency on cars in the county, the Mayor of Ennis has said.

Clarecastle representative, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) has issued an appeal to both the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage plus the Department of Transport and Climate to make funding available to local authorities in order to facilitate the creation of an active and sustainable travel officer in County and City Councils across the country.

A commitment to promote and deliver active and sustainable travel is already prevalent within Clare County Council, senior engineer John Leahy stated in response to Murphy’s motion.

Air pollution would fall if the post was established, Cllr Murphy told a recent meeting of the local authority. He suggested increased pedestrian crossings and segregated cycling paths would also assist in the endeavour. “From Latoon Bridge, you have a quite cycle path all the way to Clarecastle but you suddenly end up on top of traffic before you know it. Clare can become a great place to walk and cycle,” he maintained. The Mayor of Ennis also requested that the motion be circulated to the county’s Oireachtas members and local authorities across the country.

There has been a visible difference in the amount of cars on the road in the past two decades, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) commented. “We are seeing more elderly people in their little mopeds, that is fantastic to see because it is giving them their independence. Wheelchair users have to be encouraged, they have to feel comfortable when they are out and about. People with disabilities have as much right to be on the road as a car. People need to be patient and open up their minds, look around and see what is happening, our world is changing in so many ways. We need to be able to allow people to change and become patient and accept it is not all about driving a car,” she said.

An active and sustainable travel officer previously existed within the County Council, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) recalled, “It is disappointing if the position has fallen away”. He detailed that he has highlighted the importance of the planned Ennis Town Bus to the Minister of State for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Hildegarde Naughton (FG). “Clare Youth Service have surveyed young people in Clare and one of the key issues is the lack of access to sustainable transport,” he added.

Related News

jarlath burns 1-2
GAA President Burns to maintain Scariff Harbour Festival's links with Northern Ireland & GAA
michael mcnamara 3
AI offers generational opportunity for Mid-West to become Ireland's digital home - McNamara
shannon airport departures 1-2
Passenger numbers up 7% to 1.04m for first half of 2025 at Shannon Airport
shannon airport fencing 2
Shannon Airport install new security fencing following recent breaches

Advertisement

Latest News
shannon airport departures 1-2
Passenger numbers up 7% to 1.04m for first half of 2025 at Shannon Airport
shannon airport fencing 2
Shannon Airport install new security fencing following recent breaches
1 DSC_9466
'There's no way we're not going to go again' - O'Donnell says no decisions made but exits from Clare camp unlikely
Killaloe-bridge
Trial pedestrianisation period announced for Killaloe to Ballina Bridge
brendan o'mara
Two Gardaí working full-time on case of €10m drug seizure involving Meelick ex Ryanair pilot
Premium
monaghan v clare 29-06-25 roisin considine jennifer duffy 1
Monaghan make their mark & send Clare out of ladies football championship
éire óg v doora barefield 29-06-25 cusack cup 1
Éire Óg win Cusack Cup for second time with dominant extra time display
waterford v clare minor 28-06-25 liam murphy gearoid o'shea james o'donnell 1
Déise deserving winners over Clare in All-Ireland minor final
tipperary v clare camogie 28-06-25 niamh costigan roisin begley 1
Tipp thump Clare but Carmody's charges still have All-Ireland quarter-final to look forward to
laurel lodge 07-11-23 3
Laurel Lodge resident further remanded in custody for alleged assault of retired judge

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.

Advertisement