The Chair of Clare’s Green Party and a former Ennis Councillor have clashed over a draft local transport plan for the town.
With just one day left until the extended deadline for public submissions expires, over 700 people have officially made their views known to the local authority.
The Plan, which aims to guide future investment in infrastructure in Ennis and its surrounding areas has become the subject of heightened controversy in recent weeks, particularly due to a one-way traffic system proposed for Mill Road.
That’s just one element however, with the plan also including 116 active travel initiatives, phased pedestrian priority on Ennis’ main thoroughfares and a tiered parking structure.
A former Mayor, however, believes there’s far too much of an emphasis on cycle lanes, equipped with a lack of parking for customers and that the plan is putting the cart before the horse.
Former Ennis Councillor Johnny Flynn claims the best approach to reducing traffic congestion is to develop a park and ride facility at Claureen and to tie this in with the impending town bus service.
According to the Ennis Transport Characteristics Report, just 2% of journeys in the town involve a bicycle, 39% walking and and 59% a private car.
Clare’s Green Party Chair believes the lack of people cycling in the town is largely due to unsafe infrastructure and believes thousands of cars could be taken off the road with appropriate active travel measures.
Ballyea native Susan Griffin says the plan needs to be viewed with an open mind.
The window for public submissions on the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan closes at midnight tomorrow.
You can listen to the full interview here:
