Clare County Council is hopeful of bypass works at Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon beginning in early 2024.
An Bord Pleanala has given the green light to the local authority to construct a bridge essentially bypassing the area, with the works also set to involve the pedestrianisation of the current bridge.
The independent planning appeals body says the community need, the public interest served and overall benefits, including benefits to Ennistymon town centre, deems the project to be acceptable.
Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, Sean Lenihan, says design and tender processes now have to commence.
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CEO of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling says “The decision by An Bord Pleanála to confirm the CPO is very positive news for Ennistymon and North Clare in general.
“Traffic congestion in Ennistymon has been of major concern for some time. In addressing this issue the scheme has the potential to deliver significant and lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors in the area. I welcome this decision, which will now allow the project to move forward.”
The proposed N67/N85 Inner Relief Road Ennistymon (Blake’s Corner) involves the construction of a new bridge approximately 80m upstream of the existing Michael Conway Bridge.
The existing bridge, a protected 7-arch masonry bridge, will be pedestrianised and a plaza will be constructed at the western end.
The scheme will include other enhancements to the area, including footpath improvements and enhanced crossing arrangements, landscaping, lighting and services enhancements, and other ancillary elements.
The scheme will improve the capacity of the road network and will improve road safety, while conserving and complementing the historic fabric of the town.
The scheme has been developed to address the serious traffic congestion issues through Ennistymon town.
A review of previous studies of the junction at Blake’s Corner, a traffic modelling assessment of the improvement options and a design of an improvement scheme have all been carried out to find the most appropriate solution to deal with the longstanding traffic problems in Ennistymon.
Welcoming An Bord Pleanála’s decision, Cllr Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, says “I look forward to progress on this important project, which will enhance and open up North Clare to more visitors, and will make the experience of visiting the area more enjoyable.”
Cllr Shane Talty, Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, says “The decision by An Bord Pleanála is an important milestone on the journey towards alleviating the longstanding traffic issues within Ennistymon. I would hope the scheme for the new relief road can now progress in as timely a manner as possible.”
