This article is from page 18 of the 2013-03-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
THE Brothers of Charity in Kilrush have called for a change of attitude when it comes to traffic management in the town.
A delegation from the organisation called for more pedestrian crossings and safer footpaths in the West Clare town at this month’s meeting of Kilrush Town Council.
Antonio Cebas, an employee of the Brothers of Charity, told the council that a number of changes have to be made to make moving around the town for pedestrians, and especially for people with a disability, safer.
“There has to be a change in mindset that includes all pedestrians and cyclists as well,” he said.
Service-user Kathleen O’Leary has been a campaigner for better pedestrian access in the town for a number of years. She was joined by other services-users at the council meeting and they outlined the challenges they face on a daily basis as they move around the town.
The group highlighted the need for zebra crossings on Toler Street and Francis Street, as well as Fahy’s Road and O’Gorman Street.
Crossing from the Square and the town hall to any of the surrounding streets is all but impossible for pedestrians who may have even a slight disability, a fact that was recognised and accepted by the council mem- bers and executive.
All in attendance agreed that outside the library is also problematic.
Ms O’Leary also raised concerns about the condition of certain footpaths in the town.
“I had a bad fall there and was in the hospital for a few days,” she said.
Other members of the delegation raised concerns about speeding in the town and how they are afraid to cross the roads in the evening.
Town Clerk John Corry asked the group to report any loose cobbling that they come across to the council so it can be addressed immediately.
“It would also be useful if you were to make a complaint to the gardaí as well [in relation to the speeding],” he added.
Cllr Ian Lynch (FG) added that it was a shame that citizens of the town had to come into the chamber to tell the council what it already knew and had been highlighting for years but with no success.
He said the council was also struggling to get the Road Safety Authority to see its point of view in relation to certain road safety issues in the town.
Ms O’Leary asked when the group would be meeting again with the council, adamant that some changes should be made soon.
No date was set, but the council agreed to discuss the matter at its next traffic management meeting.