GUIDANCE from GPS navigation systems continues to cause problems along “unsuitable roads” in West Clare.

Citing “continued issues around Sat Nav guidance choosing the shortest route from A to B resulting in traffic being directed along unsuitable roads,” Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) appealed to the West Clare Municipal District to erect signs with the instruction ‘local access only, do not follow GPS navigation’. This motion was seconded by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG).

Senior executive engineer, Alan Kennelly acknowledged that motorists have been directed “along roads that are not always suitable for volumes of traffic”. He said he has witnessed the issue himself when arriving into West Clare, “When using the Killimer – Tarbert ferry, I notice tourist’s cars using some of the smaller roads around Killimer. I assume that they are being guided by sat-nav. I sometimes encounter bursts of ferry traffic coming against me on these smaller roads, and it can be difficult for cars to pass safely”.

He added, “If the councillor would be kind enough to supply me with a list of the roads where sat-nav directions cause an issue, the West Clare MD will look at erecting suitable signage along these roads, if appropriate to do so”.

Over the summer, “one poor farmer didn’t get the hay done because he was so busy pulling cars from the ditch,” Cllr Lynch flagged. “It is becoming a huge problem,” he said while committing to put money from his own General Municipal Allocation (GMA) towards the signage.

An alternative approach was suggested by Cllr PJ Kelly (FF), “we might invite the well-spoken lady to the county for the weekend, drive her around the county for the weekend and she might change her ways”.

Lynch responded, “the fastest way or the shortest mileage are the two questions she will ask but not which is the safest and therein the problem lies”.

Similar thinking is needed when it comes to diverting buses and campervans from certain roads, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) maintained. Cllr Liam Grant (GP) queried if only “certain signs” could be put in place and senior executive engineer, Enda MacNamara advised that it was dependent on the “road and location”.

Related News

project west forestry 1
Over 1,100 acres of forestry in Clare & Galway on the market for more than €5m
jane halloran ryan 1
Emigration of Scariff famine orphan girls to be remembered during Harbour Festival
clare greyhound sanctuary 1
Bills were 'hanging over us like a black cloud' say voluntary operators of Tulla based animal sanctuary
madeira 4
There's a magic about Madeira - the hottest new destination from Shannon Airport

Advertisement

Latest News
graham shine clare ladies 1
'There is an All-Ireland in this group' says Shine of Clare ladies
jane halloran ryan 1
Emigration of Scariff famine orphan girls to be remembered during Harbour Festival
barry cotter notts county 1
Cotter completes season-long loan move to Notts County
pj murrihy 1
Murrihy returns to familiar stage of Armada Hotel for Willie Clancy week
clare greyhound sanctuary 1
Bills were 'hanging over us like a black cloud' say voluntary operators of Tulla based animal sanctuary
Premium
micheál murray 1
Mint performance from the Murrays helps Miltown win O'Gorman Cup for second time
tablet smartphone laptop 1
Man (58) in South-East Clare charged with having 1544 images of child sex abuse
waterford v clare camogie 05-07-25 jennifer daly orla hickey 2
Waterford relievedly Rockett to last four following Clare scare
alan o'callaghan conor ryan tony o'brien pat burke pat hayes 1
'We are the envy of the county' - Hayes says Killaloe MD Cllrs have best working relationship
éire óg vs ballyea 04-07-25 david reidy paddy smyth 1
Éire Óg retain Division 2 League title in derby decider

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