This article is from page 33 of the 2008-01-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 33 JPG
ONGOING traffic congestion in Sixmilebridge is of a huge concern to locals, who fear that a major ac- cident will happen, unless the issue
is addressed.
That was the message delivered during a debate on a proposal to widen a bridge in the village, at a meeting of Shannon area councillors last week.
Clare County Council Senior Ex- ecutive Engineer Donal Hogan said he has asked the roads section to look at the possibility of widening the bridge.
He said there have been several new residential estates completed in
the area, while a major new commer- cial development is also mooted.
“The width of the bridge would be a major factor in the satisfactory operation of the bridge,’ said Mr Hogan.
“It is a protected structure. That is one of the issues,” he added.
Independent councillor Patricia McCarthy said that traffic conges- tion in Sixmilebridge “is actually dangerous. It is very hard to solve the problem. Maybe we should go for a ring road.”
CUlr Gerry Flynn (Independent) said the council has recognised that a problem exists.
“It would make a lot more sense if money was spent on the southern
Ring Road. I wouldn’t support what you are proposing. I think that’s wrong and would be a stop gap,’ said Cir Flynn.
Cllr John Crowe (FG), who lives in the area, said he had proposed the footbridge but “I don’t mind that be- ing put on hold.”
“I feel there should be an overall job done on it. A few years ago New- market was choked. That’s gone now to Sixmilebridge,” he said.
“If road design are coming in and doing an overall job and if it’s going to take that bit extra time to do it, at least do something that is going to be there for generations to come,” said Saver
Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) said the
problem exists and “will not go away. It will get worse. There could be a major accident”.
Shannon Town Manager Ger Dol- lard said there are issues in Sixmi- lebridge.
“The area engineer iS saying as Sixmilebridge develops, strategic decisions will be taken. There are is- sues which need indepth discussion,” he said.
Referring to suggestions regarding a relief road, he said, “It was devel- oper-led. I don’t think the council has acquired any lands in relation to that road. It is an issue that needs to be addressed. As Sixmilebridge de- velops further, the problem is going to get worse.”