This article is from page 20 of the 2013-03-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
ENNIS Town Council is to spend € 459,200 on the 2013 roadworks programme.
The programme was presented to councillors at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Ennis Town Council.
In his report, Town Engineer Eamon O’Dea said the council will provide € 120,000 from its own resources towards the maintenance of roads in the town, “which is significantly lower than funding in 2012 of € 175,000”.
He continued, “The non-national roads grant from the Department of Transport is € 339,000 which is € 78,000 lower than 2012. In Clare County Council’s Grant allocation from the Department of Transport under low cost safety schemes funds have been allocated to the Corrovorrin / Tulla Road junction and traffic light replacement at Captain Mac’s Cross on the Clare Road.”
150 residents have signed a petition to build a roundabout at the entrance to the estates at Oakleigh Wood, Derrymore, Cappahard estates on the Tulla Road.
The group say that measures are needed to cope with increased traffic on the road.
Town manager Ger Dollard said he met yesterday with residents of Oakleigh Woods.
He said it is an objective of Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council to develop a roundabout in the area. He said a detailed design had already been prepared but issues remained regarding land acquisition in the area.
The meeting heard that it could cost upwards of € 250,000 to build the roundabout.
Mr Dollard said funding for the project is an issue and that it would be unfeasible for the council to spend half of its € 459,200 budget for 2013 in one area of Ennis.
Council engineers are due to meet with residents on Thursday.
Town engineer Eamon O’Dea said traffic surveys and preliminary de- sign work has already been carried out for a roundabout at Corrovorrin.
Under the 2013 programme, the council is proposing to upgrade / construct footpaths in Golf Links Road (€ 15,000), Lahinch Road (€ 10,000) and The Crescent / Shannon Park (€ 15,000).
Pedestrian Crossings are proposed for Ashline, Kilrush Road, Frances Street (Tesco / Aldi), Carmody Street at Drumbiggle Road, Clare Road at St Flannan’s College, Clonroadbeg at Eire Óg, Gort Road at Ashfield Park – at a combined cost of € 52,000.
Additional pedestrian barriers are proposed for Rice College / Christian Brothers and Holy Family School at a cost of € 7,200.
The council is to spend € 20,000 on the provision of line marking and € 15,000 on the replacement of road signs in compliance with An Bord Teanga.
In his report, Mr O’Dea stated, “A total of 6600 square metres of road were re-surfaced in 2012 including significant works at Lower Parnell Street, Station Road, Coote’s Cross, Kilrush Road and Lower Market Street carpark. Footpath replacement was carried out at the Crescent and Shannon Park and a new section of footpath provided at Gaurus. The adjustment to the pedestrian crossing at Kelly’s Corner is being completed from 2012 funds.”