Ennis’s local elected representatives have written to Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Department of Transport and Clare’s Oireachtas members demanding action on a notorious roundabout where “unacceptable danger” is believed to be present.
It comes as the Mayor of Clare has proposed the construction of a flyover connecting the two arms of the N85 to alleviate pedestrian safety concerns at the Clareabbey Roundabout.
The motion tabled at this week’s meeting of Ennis Municipal District has formally requested that the powers that be “immediately progress and fund the long-delayed pedestrian and cyclist safety scheme” at the junction.
Located beside the ruined 12th century Augustinian monastery, the Clareabbey Roundabout has been a source of controversy since its construction due to its lack of road markings and pedestrian crossings as well as the significant width of its carriageway.
The motion put forward this week states that a design for pedestrian crossings on the roundabout’s arms presented at a recent public consultation event has been deemed “unsuitable”.
Instead, it says the provision of an overpass or underpass is the “only acceptable solution”.
The co-signatories of the motion were Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle, Fine Gael councillors Paul Murphy and Mary Howard, and Fianna Fáil councillors Clare Colleran-Molloy and Antoinette Baker Bashua.
Despite putting his name to the proposal, Clarecastle Councillor Paul Murphy said during the meeting that pedestrian crossings should be implemented in the short-term while long-term plans should be developed for a flyover.
It was noted during the meeting that a pedestrian overpass mightn’t be viable because of accessibility issues for those with reduced mobility.
Councillor Guilfoyle says the Mayor of Clare’s suggestion was “out of left field” and insists nothing short of an overpass or underpass will suffice.
You can listen to the full interview below.
