PLANS to designate a network of low-traffic roads linking Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and Kilfenora as “Quiet Roads” are to be considered by Clare County Council.
The proposal, tabled by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) at the July meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, seeks the development of a pilot scheme under the North Clare Mobility and Transport Plan.
Introducing the motion, Cllr Garrihy said it was about “making better use of what we have” by creating safer, more accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists without the need for major infrastructure projects.
He said Quiet Roads offered a practical and cost-effective way to encourage walking and cycling while linking communities and tourist destinations, adding that the network could become a “flagship part” of North Clare’s transport network.
The initiative proposes creating a network of shared-use “Quiet Roads”, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists while maintaining access for local traffic.
The project would include identifying suitable local (“L”) roads parallel to the R476, R477 and R478 corridors, introducing speed reduction measures where feasible, installing Quiet Roads signage and route branding, delivering targeted traffic-calming measures, and linking the routes with existing walking trails, cycling routes and tourism infrastructure.
The initial pilot would focus on routes between Doolin and Lisdoonvarna, Lisdoonvarna and Kilfenora, as well as the development of a looped network linking all three settlements.
Seconding the motion, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said the proposal was worth pursuing but warned it could be difficult to strike the right balance between the needs of cyclists, motorists and local residents. He noted that many rural roads were narrow with overgrown hedgerows and said road users needed to show greater consideration for cyclists.
Independent Cllr Ian Lynch also backed the proposal but questioned how the council could move it “from the paper and onto the ground”, asking how the initiative could be progressed beyond the motion.
Responding, Acting Senior Executive Engineer Paddy Tiernan said the council welcomed the proposal, which he described as having “clear merit” in promoting active travel, sustainable tourism and improved rural connectivity.
He said the municipal district would examine the proposal in greater detail through a desktop assessment and a review of the local road network to identify potentially suitable routes.
Mr Tiernan said an initial assessment suggested there was no continuous linkage between Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and Kilfenora using local roads only, without interaction with or crossings of national and regional roads.
He said providing safe crossings and connections at these locations would present a challenge and would require careful consideration as part of any feasibility assessment.
He added that the council had contacted Monaghan County Council, where a similar scheme operates, and described the proposal as a “step-by-step project”, with securing funding likely to be one of the biggest challenges.
In his closing comments, Cllr Garrihy said the proposal offered a “low-cost practical solution” to improve mobility in Clare.
“If Mayo and Monaghan can do it, surely we can in Clare,” he said.
