Growing Concern Over New Traffic System in Ennis

Hope has been expressed that cycle training will be provided for both students and residents in Ennis, after the development of controversial new cycle lanes linking two of the town’s biggest schools.

Traffic calming measures and cycle lanes connecting St Flannan’s College with Ennis National School were introduced in recent weeks, on the back of safety concerns from local residents.

But some believe the new system has the opposite effect of what’s intended.

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As the start of the new school year fast approaches, many residents in the vicinity of St Flannan’s College have been becoming increasingly concerned over the new traffic system in the area.

Traffic calming measures and cycle lanes, which have been funded by the Department of Transport, have been introduced there in recent weeks.

They include bollards, to segregate cycle lanes from cars, but the impact has led many to feel that the road is too narrow, and some residents say they’re having difficulty accessing their homes.

Liz lives in the area, and her children attend local schools.

While she welcomes cycle lanes generally, she thinks this system will cause a lot of problems.

Ennis Councillors gave the plans the go-ahead last year, after the issue was first raised on foot of local concerns about speeding.

A consultation process was conducted as part of the works, during which notices were placed in local newspapers, but former Mayor of Clare, Tommy Brennan, who lives nearby, believes there should have been more direct engagement with local residents.

But one cycling advocate is arguing that it’s important to segregate cyclists and cars, as much as possible, for safety reasons.

Green Party Councillor Roisín Garvey, who has previously worked on initiatives to encourage children to cycle more, now hopes awareness training will be available to students and local residents.

And she hopes that the new traffic system will lead to greener ways of travelling to school.