Councillors in Clare’s coastal areas are seeking increased funding for roads in this county that run along the Wild Atlantic Way.
It follows safety concerns being raised about roads falling into disrepair in certain areas.
Members of the West Clare Municipal District have discussed calls this week for more investment in the road surface, markings, laybys and roadside boundaries along the Wild Atlantic Way route.
It’s been suggested that certain areas have fallen into disrepair, making progress for large coach tours along the roads more difficult.
Clare County Council says while there’s no mechanism to seek ringfenced funding for the Wild Atlantic Way in particular, it is currently working with Failte Ireland to find ways to improve the area’s infrastructure.
Lisdoonvarna-based Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy feels Government departments should come together to find ways to make local improvements that he says are badly needed.
Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised about the region’s road network having been impacted by the prolonged cold snap in December.
Elected representatives have told senior Council staff that they believe an “extensive programme of repairs” is now needed after parts of Clare fell to as low as minus 8 or minus 9 degrees on certain days before Christmas.
Ennistymon-based Fianna Fail Councillor Shane Talty says it’s causing safety concerns for motorists.
The West Clare Municipal District says it’s made a request to the Department of Transport to cover the costs associated with the repairs that are required.
Listen back to the full interview here:
