This article is from page 56 of the 2013-01-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 56 JPG
CLARE County Council has been urged to consider modifying roundabouts in the Barefield area to prevent cars from being deliberately driven through them.
Flowerpots and other items on a roundabout near the M18 motorway were damaged during incidents of vandalism last July, with members of the Barefield Tidy Towns committee blaming the activities of boy racers.
Yesterday’s meeting of councillors in the Ennis West Electoral Area heard that the deliberate driving of cars through the roundabout is a source of “significant frustration” to the local community.
Councillor Brian Meaney (GP) made the comments as he tabled a motion calling for measures to be “provided for to hinder access onto the roundabouts in Barefield village”.
Cllr Meaney told the meeting that cars are being driven late at night through the roundabout. He said the local community in Barefield had devoted a lot of resources into the upgrade and maintenance of the roundabouts.
Senior executive engineer for the Ennis Electoral Area, Eamon O’Dea, said it was important that all incidents be reported to the Gardaí.
He stated, “The council recognises the excellent work that is being carried out by the Tidy Towns and community groups in Barefield village. It is impracticable and unsafe to put measures in place to hinder access onto the centre of roundabouts, however it is important to report all non emergency intrusions onto the roundabouts and green areas to the gardaí as there are issues regarding pedestrian safety and incorrect use of a motor vehicle.”
Cllr Meaney said that while he would be happy to allow time for the gardaí to deal with the matter, it may be necessary for the council to install some sort of barricade.