This article is from page 10 of the 2012-01-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
DRIVERS and pedestrians in Ennis have been urged to be vigilant after two accidents on the Clare Road in just over a week.
A fourth-year student from St Flannan’s College escaped serious injury when he was struck by a car on a stretch of road between Captain Mac’s Cross and the Turnpike.
The incident occurred at lunchtime last Thursday. The student received medical treatment.
Deputy Principal John Minogue explained that the student was brought to hospital but that the school had not received a report of any serious injury.
Another teenager was injured 10 days ago by a car exiting the carpark of the West County Hotel. An ambulance was called to the scene.
The incidents have led to calls for greater vigilance and awareness on routes around Ennis.
Road Safety Officer with Clare County Council, Barry Keating, said yesterday that there is an onus on both drivers and pedestrians to be aware of the dangers, particularly at busy periods of the day.
“In general, we would ask people to be extra vigilant and to pay extra attention, particularly around schools. There are a lot of people exiting schools at lunchtime and we would ask drivers to be cognizant of this.”
He added, “This applies to pedestrians too but in general we would always say to drivers to be extra vigilant when they are driving past schools, especially at lunchtime. when you have a large number of people looking to cross the road.”
Concern was also expressed yesterday over bus- and car-parking on roads near St Flannan’s College.
Senior Executive Engineer, Eamon O’Dea said yesterday that he is aware that some cars are parking on the slip road that leads from the roundabout at Lynch’s joinery to Flannan’s, a situation he described as “disgraceful”.
Cllr Brennan said that buses parked at Flannan’s school are “blocking up the road” in the morning and afternoon.
He said measures were needed to improve safety at the location.
Cllr Brennan said that electronic speed repeater signs, similar to those in place on the Tulla Road, should be placed on the road between the Éire Óg GAA grounds and St Flannan’s.