It’s claimed proposed changes to the road network of the county town will create an “Ennis Blake’s Corner “.
It comes amid plans to turn a section of the Mill Road in Ennis to a one-way street in order to facilitate a pedestrian footpath while preserving a protected structure.
Under the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan, the Mill Road from the junction of Pound Lane to Wood Quay is proposed to become a southbound one-way system.
The purpose of this is to overcome a traffic pinch point and also a pedestrian safety issue, as a footpath currently can’t be installed on one side of the road , were the 18th century former Ennis Corn Store is located.
Northbound traffic will instead loop around on Old Mill Road, which could potentially also become a one way street.
However, Old Mill Road Business Owner and Mechanic Charlie McEnery has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus this will cause consternation and create a new safety issue on a road already subjected to heavy traffic and within a residential area.
One elected representative meanwhile claims there’s an overemphasis on cycling lanes and that the location of some will restrict access to local shops and could potentially cause business closures.
Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan says there’s also a lack of focus on parking and believes the best solution for the Mill Road is to remove the protected structure or face into an “Ennis Blake’s Corner” situation.
Public submissions can be made to Clare County Council on the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan until Friday June 27th.
Listen to the full interview here
