This article is from page 18 of the 2013-09-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A LOCAL shop-owner has expressed concern that proposed traffic calming works at the entrance to Corrovorrin could lead to reduced business and a loss of jobs.
Councillors in Ennis have called for improvements to the Corrovorrin junction on the R352 Tulla Road to alleviate access problems in the area.
A report on the proposed € 50,000 project was presented to members at yesterday’s monthly meeting of En nis Town Council.
In a report to councillors, town engineer Eamon O’Dea stated that funding for the project had been se- cured from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Mr O’Dea explained, “The proposed layout has been confirmed with the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport road safety engineer during each stage of the design process. It was not possible to make significant amendments to the proposed layout to take account of the submissions received, however some minor adjustment to the parking opposite Tierney’s Shop on Kevin Barry Avenue were made.”
Mr O’Dea recommended that councillors approve the scheme at Corrovorrin Junction.
The proposed low cost safety scheme at Corrovorrin junction would involve a reduced carriageway width to give a “greater sense of enclosure” and the “reduce the crossing length for pedestrians”.
The council are also proposing courtesy pedestrian and combined crossing points along with an off road combined pedestrian and cycle lane
A preliminary deign report on the scheme states that traffic volume on the R352 ranges from 14,000 to 16,00 vehicles per day and 1,400 to 2,000 vehicles per day on Kevin Barry Avenue.
Alan Morrissey, Executive Engineer, stated, “Based on traffic flow levels the appropriate junction type is a priority junction.”
The report also states that analysis indicates, “There does not seem to be a speeding problem on the R352 east of Corrovorrin junction.
“An additional benefit of this design will be a reduction in crossing distances for pedestrians and cyclists thereby promoting sustainable travel modes” adds the report.
The council received three submissions on the proposed works.
Local shopkeeper John Tierney objected to the scheme at Corrovorrin junction. In his submission to the council, Mr Tierney stated that he is being penalised for complying with previous planning application. He stated insufficient background information was provided while adequate consultation procedures did not take place.
Mr Tierney referred to a brief re- port from the Chief Supt of the Clare Garda Division, John Kerin, which stated that according to Garda records, no accidents have taken place at the Corrovorrin junction in the past five years.
Mr Tierney also expressed concern that the proposed works would result in reduced business and loss of jobs.
Philip Coll, a resident of the nearby Kevin Barry Avenue, stated that he could not recall any accidents at the junction.
In his submission, Mr Coll told the council that he considered that filter lanes were required on both Kevin Barry Avenue and the Tulla Road. It was his view that a yellow box was required at the exit from Kevin Barry Avenue.