This article is from page 18 of the 2013-07-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A SECTION of the N85 main road between Ennis and Ennistymon has been the scene of eight car accidents over the last two months, a meeting has heard.
The National Roads Authority (NRA) has been urged to act to improve driver safety on a stretch of road between Fountain Cross and Ballyduff Landfill, which was described yesterday as an “accident black spot”.
In a motion tabled at a meeting of councillors in the Ennis West electoral area, councillor James Breen (Ind) called for accident black spot signs to be erected on the N85 between Fountain Cross and Ballyduff Landfill.
Cllr Breen told the meeting that eight cars had been involved in accidents on the stretch of road over the past two months. He said in one instance, a woman and her young child were lucky to walk away unharmed after their car came off the road.
Cllr Breen said there is a danger someone may lose their life on the road. He called for warning signs and crash barriers to be installed in the area.
In his reply, executive engineer Robert Burns stated that generally the erection of signage on the National Road network is a matter for the National Roads Authority.
He continued, “In this instance, the old accident back spot sign is no longer included in the suite of road signs set out in the traffic signs manual and can’t therefore be used. The NRA’s 2013 programme of Road Safety Schemes for National Roads does not include any projects on the N85.
“However, the council would liaise with the NRA with a view to determining whether sections of the N85, requiring remediation or improvement, would qualify under the 2014 programme for Road Safety Schemes for national roads.”
Mr Burns told the meeting that safety issues at this particular stretch of road have been repeatedly flagged to the NRA.
Cllr Tom McNamara agreed with Cllr Breen in stating that work is needed to improve safety at the location.