Shanaway Road
LONG-RUNNING traffic issues at on the Shanaway Rd in Ennis may be nearing the end of the road with plans approved for a mini-roundabout.
By Dearbhla Parry
Clare County Council has given the green light for a new mini roundabout near the existing Claureen Roundabout in Ennis to address ongoing traffic congestion and safety concerns.
The project will see the construction of a mini roundabout leading up to the Claureen Roundabout, where the Shanaway Road meets the N85 on the Lahinch Road leading to North Clare.
Two raised controlled pedestrian crossings, one uncontrolled pedestrian crossing and additional public lighting columns are also included in the plans.
Senior executive engineer with Clare County Council, Anne O’Sullivan stated the location had been identified as an area of concern due to multiple recorded accidents involving traffic exiting the L4601 Shanaway Road onto the N85.
Elected members of the Ennis Municipal District have been vocal in their requests over the past decade for safety improvements to be carried out.
Among the three submissions made to Clare County Council, local resident Mark Lynch said the development “should have been completed 20 years ago.” He noted, “There have been numerous accidents, including injury accidents, at this location over recent years.” He added that the raised roundabout on the northwestern approach would help reduce vehicle speeds.
However, some residents have voiced opposition. Josh McGrath argued that the new roundabout would not alleviate congestion and could worsen it, “as cars will have to give way to pedestrians on a very busy ‘N’ route, thus causing further build-up of traffic”.
Pedestrian counts recorded 219 people crossing the junction daily. In July, Lynch recommended adding a zebra crossing on Shanaway Road or completing the footpath on the southeastern side. In response, the Council agreed to install two raised controlled pedestrian crossings with central islands on the N85 and one uncontrolled crossing on the L4601 Shanaway Road.
McGrath maintained his opposition, stating that the crossings are “not warranted by sufficient pedestrian traffic.” He added, “The provision of two pedestrian crossings on such a busy road will only add to congestion, and any limited value of the proposed roundabout would be totally negated.” He suggested that “a series of sequenced traffic lights from Drumcliffe Road to Shanballa” would be a better long-term solution, warning, “Let’s hope we’re not looking at a Blake’s Cross scenario”.
The development site lies along a busy stretch with existing lighting, residential estates, and a petrol station. Construction-related disturbance is expected to be short-term.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening statement found that the proposed works will not cause significant noise, visual, or atmospheric emissions and are unlikely to affect nearby Natura 2000 sites.
Under the Biodiversity Action Plan 2017–2023, Clare County Council remains responsible for promoting best practices in roadside verge management, particularly among Tidy Towns groups.
Clare County Council has published the tender for minor civil engineering traffic calming works at the junction which are earmarked for a €200,000 price tag.
