Shannon Town’s two county councillors are not in agreement when it comes to the potential of traffic calming measures at the Radharc na Coille housing estate.
An appeal for measures of some form was issued by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) having become aware that “residents are complaining”. Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) meanwhile was of the view that a mistake would be made “by rushing in”.
In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr McGettigan asked that traffic calming measures be both in place on foot of the complaints. “Traffic in and out of the area is too fast for a residential area, particularly with children playing in the estate,” she stated.
A speed survey is to be conducted, senior executive engineer Tom Mellett outlined. This information will determine “the nature of the problem” and will assist in flagging potential solutions, he explained.
“This housing estate contacts three lengthy straights of roadway with cul-de-sacs leading from them or with housing accessing directly onto them and so may require a number of different traffic calming solutions,” Mellett advised.
Speaking at a recent meeting of the Shannon MD, Cllr McGettigan emphasised that the area was “hugely populated” with children. “There is a big green area that the children play along, as children do they run across the road,” she cautioned.
Taking time to find the right solution is key, Cllr Flynn maintained. “Let’s not make a mistake by rushing and doing something that would not suit the area. There has to be consultation”. Previous surveys were completed when the estate was taken in by the County Council, he informed the meeting.
