Residents of Shannon are pleading with Clare County Council to install traffic calming measures on a road where speeding is said to be an everyday occurence.
It comes as a local sportsground is currently playing host to a carnival, which locals claim will cause “chaos” on the already dangerous road.
Tradaree Court and Cluain Airne are two housing estates consisting of over 350 houses located on Bóthar na Rinne in Shannon.
Locals say that due to the width of the road and lack of traffic calming or speeding deterrent, it’s not unusual to encounter motorists exceeding the speed limit.
Coupled with this, a curved bend located at the end of the road at the entrance to the Shannon Hibernians FC Riverside Park is said to be an additional concern, as drivers are known to cut the corner.
While residents have been lobbying for safety measures in the area for many years, calls have resurfaced as a fun fair is being held in the sportsground this week, leading to an increase in the level of traffic in the vicinity.
Siobhán Spillane, who lives nearby, says nothing Clare County Council has tried to do to rectify the problem has been effective in the past.
In a statement to Clare FM, the local authority claims it has “engaged with the host provider to ensure that a Traffic Management Plan is in place for the duration of the event”.
It goes on to say that signage is being erected on the road up to the Hibernians AFC Grounds and approaching roads to encourage responsible driver behaviour.
Speed cushions have been installed in the area and further works are beginning today which include “table-top pedestrian crossings, off-road car parking spaces and other specific elements such as enhanced signage”.
Shannon resident Niamh O’Callaghan believes it’s high time meaningful change was brought to the area, which it’s claimed has been a source of disquiet for residents for many years.
You can listen to the full interview here:
