This article is from page 14 of the 2011-11-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
SHANNON should benefit under the government’s smart travel funding package, through the creation of additional cycle lanes.
That’s according to local Labour Town Councillor Tony McMahon, who says that the project should be rolled out across the board.
Under the initiative, various projects across the country are receiving funding for travel-related projects.
These include new bicycle stands, zebra crossings, disabled parking bays and bus shelters.
It is part of a € 2 million national package for smarter travel measures, announced by Junior Minister for Public Transport, Alan Kelly.
Cllr McMahon believes that new cycle lanes should be put in place in Shannon, while existing lanes should be further developed.
“I’m asking what did Clare County Council apply for, for Shannon? How much money is available and what have they in mind for any future funding that becomes available?” he said.
“I would imagine that they would have applied for funding.
“I think that if there is money available, Shannon should be included,” he added.
“If it hasn’t been accessed, then it would be remiss of the council,” he said.
He said that while Shannon is “fairly well catered for” in terms of cycle lanes, there is a significant interest in cycling in the town and the infrastructure should be suitable.
“If the money is there for that purpose, I would like them to advise me what is envisaged. A good lot of people use cycle lanes in Shannon,” he said.
He said that remedial works should be carried out on roads in the town, if money is available.
“According to the guidelines, remedial works are included and they could be done in Shannon,” said Cllr McMahon.
“There are frequent crashes at the roundabout at the Comp. School (St Patrick’s Comprehensive School). There are several junctions that could be looked at,” he said.
“I’m looking for confirmation that Clare County Council has availed of that scheme and that they have included Shannon in the scheme,” said Cllr McMahon.