An absence of signs directing motorists to Miltown Malbay has been done deliberately to ‘write the West Clare town off the map’.

Speaking at the March meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Christy Curtin criticised the TII for their part in ensuring Miltown doesn’t cross the radar of first time visitors to the county. The Independent councillor reiterated his appeal for “road direction signs for Miltown Malbay be restored” at 7 different locations across the county.

These were; Maid of Erin Junction Ennis, Blake’s Corner, Killimer Car Ferry (N67), Fahy Rd Kilrush (N67-R483), Miltown Rd Kilkee (N67), Craggnock Cross (N67-L162280) and Cloonadrum Cross (N67-R483).

In response, the District’s acting senior executive engineers Morgan Lahiffe and John O’Malley noted, “The National Road Signposting scheme was rolled out by the TII a number of years back. The signposting requirements for the national routes were specifically designed on that occasion. Clare County Council will raise these specific locations with the TII and request a response in this regard”.

“This has been specifically designed to write Miltown off the map,” Cllr Curtin remarked of his native town’s absence from signs at the 7 listed locations. “There is no rationale behind it, Miltown Malbay should be clearly signposted”.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Ian Lynch seconded the motion and questioned John Leahy, the Council’s senior engineer of the roads and transportation department if there was any explanation for Miltown’s absence from signposts. Leahy admitted there was no reason for its omission and added, “Christy has flagged it and we will follow up on it”.

*Photograph: Joseph Mischyshyn