This article is from page 14 of the 2011-04-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
AN ACCIDENT blackspot in Shannon must be tackled urgently, in an effort to make it more safe.
That’s according to Sinn Fein Councillor Cathy McCafferty, who has called for immediate works to be carried out at the roundabout adjacent to St Patrick’s Comprehensive School.
At a meeting of Shannon Town Council last week, she asked for an update on the measures to be taken to improve safety at the location and she also sought details of a timescale for completion of the works.
In a written response, senior executive engineer Eugene O’Shea stated, “While I am aware of two accidents at this location in recent times, it is not, in my opinion, an accident blackspot.”
He stated that he has requested the council’s design office to look at the junction with a view to examining possible improvements, adding, “Due to resource issues, it has not been possible to-date to progress this matter.”
Cllr McCafferty said she was not happy with the response and said that this issue must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“The reply to me is not adequate at all. I brought this motion forward in September 2009. There is an accident there nearly every week. It is too important. I would like the senior executive engineer to have another look at it,” she said.
Labour Councillor Greg Duff said, “It is a safety issue. There is a repeat of accidents.”
Labour Councillor Tony McMahon said, “It should be ensured that an engineer or a design team should look at it and see can anything be done.”