VISUAL IMPACT on surrounding properties of flashing beacon lights by pedestrian crossing has led to the addition of sleeves on the soon to be constructed infrastructure in two North Clare villages.
Pedestrian crossings are to be erected in Lisdoonvarna and Ruan following approval by councillors in the West Clare Municipal District.
Plans for five controlled pedestrian crossings in Lisdoonvarna were first announced in September, the works will also include the addition of new signage, an ESB connection and new footpaths. One of the crossings will be located outside Mary Immaculate College, the local secondary school “which is badly needed,” senior executive engineer Enda MacNamara acknowledged.
“It might sound like we’re gone pedestrian crossing crazy in Lisdoonvarna but we have a plan, they will link in with existing amenities and form part of our future plans,” Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) outlined.
A lower level of works will be carried out in Ruan with one controlled pedestrian crossing, signage, upgrades and an ESB connection part of the bill. MacNamara advised that no submission was received within the allocated timeframe although An Garda Síochána made their views known with one submission made after the deadline date.
He explained, “the pedestrian crossing will provide safe access predominantly for kids going to or from school and the GAA pitch plus residents going to the local shop”.
Some Ruan residents have voiced their concern with the potential impact of the flashing lights. “The light travels a distance, I would ask that sleeves be added to the lights so that the inconvenience be reduced for the people of Ruan,” Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) remarked. Cllr Shane Talty (FF) stated, “it arose from local demands in terms of calls for improved safety in the area, there are concerns from some residents as to the impact on their properties”.
MacNamara confirmed that sleeves would be put on the light “to reduce the impact on surrounding buildings as much as possible”.
