This article is from page 33 of the 2007-06-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 33 JPG
A RAILING which will stop impetu- ous youngsters from darting out un- der the wheels of cars has become a critical need in an east Clare estate.
Cllr Pascal Fitzgerald has called on county council officials to step in and erect railings between Thorn- brook Estate and the main Athlunk- ard Road.
At a recent local area meeting, Cllr Fitzgerald said that youngsters are regularly hoping out on to the main
road as a shortcut to the shops.
“The developer is reluctant to have this railing erected. I feel that Clare County Council should erect a rail- ing and furnish the bill for the total cost to the developer. The residents have had to wait long enough for this matter to be sorted. Local Gardai are aware that this is frequently used by youths as a quick exit onto the main road. It is only a matter of time be- fore somebody is injured,’ the coun- cillor said.
Councillor Fitzgerald said that he
has been asking for something to be done to make the situation safer for a long period and felt his only option to secure action was to make an of- ficial request by way of a motion for the local area meeting.
In an official written reply to the councillor’s motion, a senior council official said that as the development is not yet in public charge, the matter is the responsibility of the developer.
“T will endeavour to have them complete the section of missing rail- ing as soon as possible.
However, I am aware of the prob- lem there and indeed have received correspondence from the Gardai myself on this matter. The fact that it bounds a busy regional road is a concern. Accordingly, I have sought prices on the completion of the 50m section approx. of railing. I will dis- cuss with my colleagues in planning enforcement and if itis in order to do so, and funding permitting, I will ar- range for the erection of the railings in the near future,’ the official said.