Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting March 2025

Present:

Councillors attending in person: 

Councillors Pat O’Gorman (Cathaoirleach), John Crowe (Leas-Cathaoirleach), Michael Begley, David Griffin, Tony Mulcahy and James Ryan.

Councillors attending remotely:

Councillor Rachel Hartigan

Officials attending in person:

Alan Farrell Director of Services, Suzie Clifford Senior Executive Officer (Meetings Administrator), Padraig MacCormaic Acting Senior Executive Officer, Tom Mellett Senior Executive Engineer, Patricia O’Neill Staff Officer, Conor Leyden Rural & Community Development Officer and Pauline McCoy Assistant Staff Officer.

 

Presiding

Cathaoirleach Pat O’Gorman opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

 

Item no. 1: Minutes of the Shannon Municipal District Meeting held on 21^st January 2025

Proposed by Cllr. John Crowe, seconded by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 2: Nomination to the Working Group for the Action Plan for Rural Ireland. 

Cllr. David Griffin nominated Cllr. Tony Mulcahy and this was seconded by Cllr. John Crowe.  Cllr. Mulcahy accepted this nomination.

 

Item no. 3: General Municipal Allocation in accordance with Section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014(S.I. No. 231/2014 - Local Government (Performance of Reserved Functions in Respect of Municipal District Members) Regulations 2014.

The General Municipal Allocation of funding awarded to the following was proposed by Cllr John Crowe and seconded by Cllr. Michael Begley and agreed by all.

Councillor	Community Group
Cllr. Michael Begley	Clonlara Leisure & Sports Centre, Clonlara
Cllr. Tony Mulcahy	Shannon Town Parish, Shannon for St John & Paul Church carpark repairs
Cllr. Pat O’Gorman, Cllr. John Crowe, Cllr. Rachel Hartigan, Cllr. David Griffin, Cllr. Tony Mulcahy, Cllr. Michael Begley Cllr. James Ryan	Creative Places Shannon for Clare Mela Event
Cllr. Pat O’Gorman, Cllr. John Crowe, Cllr. Rachel Hartigan, Cllr. David Griffin, Cllr. Tony Mulcahy, Cllr. Michael Begley Cllr. James Ryan	CoMotion – Ebike sponsorship
Cllr. Rachel Hartigan	Meelick/Coonagh Community Games
Cllr. Rachel Hartigan	Parkville FC
Cllr. David Griffin	Newmarket on Fergus National School ASD Unit
Cllr. David Griffin	Stonehall National School ASD Unit
Cllr. David Griffin	St. Senan’s National School, Shannon ASD Unit
Cllr. David Griffin	Clonmoney National School ASD Unit

 

Item no. 4: Municipal District of Shannon Grants 2025

• Shannon Municipal District Small Community Grant Scheme 2025
• New scheme - Shannon Municipal District Support Scheme for Public Realm Initiatives and Amenity Projects 2025.

Ms. Suzie Clifford outlined that these schemes are funded under the Councillors GMA for 2025 and that each scheme has a total allocation of €21k.  In addition to the existing scheme (Small Community Grant Scheme) a new scheme has been launched - Support Scheme for Public Realm Initiatives and Amenity Projects which aims to improve the visual and functionality of outdoor public spaces and amenities through small scale development projects. 

The closing date for receipt of online applications is Friday 18^th April, 2025.

The launch of both schemes was proposed by Cllr. David Griffin, seconded by Cllr. James Ryan and agreed by all.   

 

Item no. 5: Cathaoirleach’s Reception – Civic Recognition Awards Ceremony

Cathaoirleach Pat O’Gorman stated that following on from the success of last year’s Civic Recognition Awards Ceremony that a similar event be organised this year.  He requested that each Councillor nominate either one dividual or group, within their respective areas, to acknowledge their contribution to their local community.

The hosting of this event was proposed by Cllr. John Crowe, seconded by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy and agreed by all.

 

Item no. 6: Directors’ Business 

N19 Update

The design team continue to work towards the finalisation of the Statutory Documentation required as part of the proposed planning application for submission to An Bord Pleanála in 2025.  The completed EIAR has now been issued for legal review and observation. Positive discussions continue regarding the necessary Land Transfer Agreements between The Minister for Transport, The Shannon Group and Clare County Council. Further information and associated literature on the project can be accessed via the scheme website.

Local Authority Integration Team- Jobs Fair Shannon

Shannon Chamber, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection and the Local Authority Implementation Team (LAIT), will host a Jobs Fair in Shannon on Wednesday, 26 March 2025 from 10am until 1pm as part of the Department’s annual Work and Skills Campaign.

Community Recognition Fund 2024

Clare County Council was awarded €2,608,408 under the Community Recognition Fund 2024. This fund is specifically targeted at projects that are located in towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants. A total of 20 projects were approved for funding under Window 1 of the scheme, totalling €1,702,000.

The following two projects in the Shannon MD have successfully completed their projects:

ü  St Senan’s Rugby club in Shannon upgraded its floodlighting system with a €50,000 grant. The improved lighting enhances visibility and safety for training sessions and matches, benefiting players of all ages and supporting the club’s continued development

ü  Shannon Leisure Centre was awarded €50,000 to replace its Cardio gym equipment, which enhances user experience by ensuring modern, high-quality fitness facilities for the local community

Visit to St Gabriels Respite Centre

St. Gabriel’s Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity founded in 1961. They provide a range of essential services and education to children with disabilities and their families in the Mid-West. Two thousand children with varying levels of disability attend their services, which include St. Gabriel’s School, Hydro pool, Respite House, Orthotics Department and two Clinical Disability Network Teams.

Treasa McAuliffe, CEO of St Gabriels Respite Centre, welcomed Shannon Municipal District staff to their respite facility. Their facility caters for children with complex medical needs, and it is currently the only facility of its kind outside of Dublin. It currently serves the Mid-Western Health Board’s CH03 area which includes North Tipperary, Limerick and Clare. Shannon MD are looking forward to working in partnership with St Gabriels to facilitate an extension of their service across our Municipal District. Suzie Clifford, Senior Executive Officer, has joined the Housing & Disability Steering Group to contribute further to this sphere.

 

Item no. 7: Roads – update by Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer.

• Additional emergency works due to storm Eowyn in late January involving tree maintenance in Shannon town, Sixmilebridge, Westbury and Newmarket on Fergus.  These works took place over a four-week period which was a substantial amount of unforeseen work involving Clare County Council staff and private contractors.
• Clearing of overgrowth in open drains in Shannon Industrial Estate was carried out in February.
• Installation of 30km/hr ‘Children At Play’ new safety road sign to housing estate in Shannon in February
• Installation of a new section of footpath in Westbury and Meelick in February and into March. 
• Emergency works to the storm water pump in Pump House 3 Drumgeely, Shannon has been carried out and it is anticipated that the full upgrade will be completed within the coming weeks.
• Installation of new 60km/hr signage to local roads took place in February.
• Pedestrian crossing installed in Bóthar na Liosta and Bóthar Buí were completed in February.
• Road markings have been refreshed in Finian Park, Shannon.
• Drainage works in Clonlara and Clonmoney were completed.
• The grass cutting contract has commenced with the first cut of the season completed this week.   

In response to the above the Members raised the following:

• Enforcement of new speed limits and a request to liaise with the Gardai on this matter.  It was also raised as to what criteria determines a 30km speed limit. 
• Tree cutting that was scheduled to take place prior to the bird nesting season but was not completed to be prioritized after the nesting season.
• Refresh the road markings in Quinspool, Parteen.
• What criteria is applied in determining the allocation of funding under the Schedule of Municipal District Works. 
• A request for the mini streetsweeper to be rolled out to other areas of the Municipal District.
• Thanks was expressed to the Shannon MD Roads crew on the clean-up operation carried out following storm Eowyn in January. 
• That Clare County Council or the ESB carry out an assessment of trees near power lines due to the significant number of households that were without electricity following the storm. 
• An update on the additional 4 outdoor staff member to be allocated to the MD as sanctioned last year. 

In reply to the points raised by the Members

• Tom Mellett stated that the different classifications of roads is described in legislation and outlines the roads that are restrictive to 30km speed limits.

Alan Farrell added that a submission can be made if required and that through representation on the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) from the Shannon Municipal District, a meeting can be arranged with the Gardai in respect of enforcement of speed limits.

• Maintenance of trees not carried out prior to the nesting season will be included in the works schedule for the Autumn.
• Refreshing of road markings in Quinspool, Parteen will be placed on the list of works to be carried out.
• In relation to the Schedule of Municipal District Works (SMDW) 2025 a special meeting will take place on 4^th April and changes to criteria that impact on the MD will be addressed by Mr. Cyril Feeney, Senior Engineer, Physical Development Directorate.
• The Mini Roadsweeper will be rolled out to other areas within the MD and is expected to be deployed to Sixmilebridge in April.
• The MD will liaise with the ESB where powerlines cross roadside trees. 

Alan Farrell added that following the recent storm a national review will be conducted which is anticipated to provide a perspective on the challenges and responsibilities faced by all agencies. 

It was also noted by the Members that Coillte have a responsibility in locations where power lines traverse forestry.

 

Item no. 8: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin

Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Tony Mulcahy agus glacadh leis:

That the elected members of the Shannon MD support the development of a Town

Development Masterplan for Newmarket on Fergus village to aid its future

development.

Joan Tarmey, Acting Town Regeneration Officer replied as follows:

Under the Government Town Centre First Initiative, Clare County Council is working in collaboration with five Town Teams across the county – Sixmilebridge, Kilrush, Tulla, Lisdoonvarna and Clarecastle. The development of a Town Team that is strong and representative is key to the implementation of the Town Centre First Policy in County Clare.

The Town Centre First Department has several key priorities including the implementation of the Sixmilebridge Town Centre First Plan; the preparation of a second Town Centre First Plan for Kilrush in collaboration with its newly formed Town Team; and establishing and supporting newly established Town Teams in Tulla, Lisdoonvarna and Kilrush.

Whilst, Newmarket on Fergus has not benefited from funding for a Masterplan to date, there may be an opportunity in the future for the development of a Masterplan since it is a strategically located town proximate to Shannon, Ennis, Limerick and Galway via M18 and has significant growth potential.  A Town Centre First Plan would indeed support this growth into the future.    Within the Shannon Municipal District, Newmarket on Fergus may be prioritised as a key town in any recommended master-planning within its functional area.  However, it is important to note that a strong and representative Town Teams is the first step to be considered before advancing to a Town Centre First Plan, and there would be strong competition from other towns with Town Teams in place.

The Department of Rural & Community Development launched a new Town Centre First Suite of Supports involving three measures in 2024. However, as yet, no additional funding/staffing resources have been announced in 2025 by the Department to enable the preparation of further Town Centre First Plans in County Clare.

The Town Centre First Department is very supportive of the efforts of Newmarket-on-Fergus and will continue to provide advice/support to groups in relation to the Town Centre First Policy in collaboration with Rural & Community Development Officers.

 

Item no. 9: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin

Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Tony Mulcahy agus glacadh leis:

That Clare County Council prioritise the development and upgrade of the footpath from Lemanagh Graveyard to Urlanmore.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

Transport Infrastructure Ireland have approved funding for an Ennis to Limerick Greenway project. Shannon MD has recommended that the R472 covering the area between Lemanagh and Urlanmore be included in the scoping documents currently being prepared for this project.

An assessment of the existing path will be undertaken by Shannon MD.

 

Item no. 10: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. David Griffin

Ar molagh Cllr. David Griffin

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:

That Clare County Council look at a junction box or other appropriate traffic management solution at the intersection between Dún Áras and Cluain Alainn, Hurlers Cross and the main road to aid residents in entering and exiting the estate

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

A yellow box junction is used to discourage vehicles from stopping at a crossroads and so preventing through traffic from the prioritised leg of the junction. The proximity of a controlled pedestrian crossing also complicates the introduction at this location. A yellow box would not be used where a large proportion of movements are right turns.

An assessment of this location has not shown queues of traffic from the Ballycasey roundabout and so the provision of a yellow box would not have an effect here.

The inbound traffic lane also features two lanes, a through lane and a deceleration (left-turn) lane.  Introducing a yellow box may result in vehicles attempting to undercut on the inside creating potential conflicts with vehicles emerging from the Hurlers Cross Road. I would not recommend this course of action. We are exploring alternative Traffic Calming measures for the location. In the meantime, line marking will be upgraded.

 

Item no. 11: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:

That this MD would request the ESB to construct a second traffic lane on the East side of the Headrace Bridge at Clonlara as the current and future traffic increases together with the adjacent National School is posing serious problems now and will get worse.

Suzie Clifford, Senior Executive Officer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This area is the responsibility of the Ardnacrusha Power Station and has been referred to them for their attention. 

 

Cllr. Michael Begley added that the Council has a role to play as they would need to be consulted on how any new bridge would tie into the existing road network.

 

Item no. 12: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:

That the provision of street lighting from Larkin’s Cross to Connors Cross be included in this MD’s road/pedestrian safety programme.

Anthony Considine, Executive Engineer, Physical Development (Active Travel) replied as follows:

Clare County Council have appointed Clandillon Consulting Engineers for the Option Development and Preliminary Design Phases of the proposed Active Travel Scheme between Ardnacrusha and Athlunkard Bridge.

The consultant will be carrying out Public Lighting Design as part of this scheme which includes the section between Larkins Cross and Connors Cross. This Active Travel scheme is subject to funding being provided by the National Transport Authority.

 

Cllr. Michael Begley noted that this can be divided into sections from O’Connors to Larkins Cross and that there is an existing footpath in place.

Tom Mellett stated that he will liaise with the team in Active Travel to check out the feasibility of this but also added that public lighting is expensive and therefore to ensure that it is compatible with future projects.

 

Item no. 13: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Michael Begley

Ar molagh Cllr. Michael Begley

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:

Requesting the relocation of “STOP SIGN” in Clonlara Village as it is too near the carriageway (L-3058) and is being turned by Trucks hitting it.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

An assessment of the sign’s location will be carried out. Should it be determined that the sign is incorrectly positioned it will be relocated.

 

Item no. 14: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Ar molagh Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

To ask the Engineer to assess local roads in Carrig Donn and Bealach Brí (Road adjacent to Shannon Garda Station from the Town Centre to the Gaelscoil) for new overlay.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This road has been assessed and will be included in the proposed Schedule of Municipal District Works programme for 2025, subject to budgetary approval by the members.

 

Item no. 15: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Ar molagh Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Cuidithe ag Cllr. David Griffin agus glacadh leis:

To assess the possibility of providing off-road parking, while ensuring space for service vehicles at the rear of the Drumgeely parks of Slaney, Foyle and Caragh.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

An assessment of these service roads will take place to determine the level of demand for parking. Based on this assessment the MD will seek a budget to proceed with the works. These roads are not considered part of the public road network and so funding will need to be found from outside our SMDW programme.

 

Item no. 16: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Ar molagh Cllr. Tony Mulcahy

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

To assess the future of senior citizens step down housing / disability respite and residential housing services and housing requirements in the region and how we as a Council can help and support. 

Pádraig MacCormaic, Acting Senior Executive Officer, Social Directorate replied as follows:

Clare County Council have discussed Right-sizing / step down housing at SPC level and continue to explore possibilities. Nationally there is ongoing research in relation to same with view to launching either a National Right Sizing Policy or Guidance to LAs in relation to local policies. Funding will be required if LAs are to be in a position to support the purchase of existing homes from private home owners and this option is currently not available through our second hand acquisition processes. In the meantime there is rightsizing options for council and AHB tenants through the local transfer system and many tenants avail of this as their needs evolve.

County Clare’s Housing & Disability Steering Group [HDSG] is delivering on an action plan regarding housing persons in the County who are living with a disability and currently over 20% of all new tenancies are allocated to same. The HDSG Steering Group is made up of representatives from Clare County Council’s Housing Section, HSE, Approved Housing Bodies, Disabled Persons Representative Organizations, service providers and representatives with a Lived Experience. The Group’s goal is to meet the housing needs of disabled people locally, with a focus on forward planning, both in terms of need and having suitable houses and health and welfare supports available to meet that need in a timely manner. Collaboration is key to delivery on actions of the National and Local Strategies, and as further needs and gaps are identified the HDSG is setting up multi discipline sub groups to conduct research and to feed back to the HDSG, and through Regional Groups back to the Housing Agency in relation to needs and gaps. At the most recent meeting of the Clare HDSG a sub group was formed to examine needs and issues in relation to Respite and Residential Housing and they will report to the next meeting for further discussion.

Clare County Council continues to regularly monitor the no. of persons on our qualified social housing list identifying with a disability and we continue to consider and make provision for those with disabled needs as part of our design of new Local Authority housing developments. CCC works closely with the HSE re same and identifying priority cases in certain areas.

Clare County Council continues to play a leading role in our local Housing & Disability Steering Group supported by the HSE, Disability Support Groups together with those of a lived experience of disabilities in providing housing together with the necessary supports to those with disabled needs and are grateful for the continued engagement of Disability Support Groups and those individuals living with disabilities. I enclose for the members a copy of both the National and local Implementation plans.

Cllr. Mulcahy noted the necessity that exist in the provision of social housing for the various sectors of society, the need for step down housing for ageing people and in particular the need for adequate housing and services for people with disabilities including respite services.  Cllr, Mulcahy added that Shannon has an ageing population and that houses should be purchased rather than rented to provide certainty into the future.  The importance of raising awareness in this area was highlighted and the need for collaboration across the agencies is recognised. 

The Members supported this motion adding that the Minister for Housing should look at the cost to developers in the provision of step down housing, a need to establish the level of demand for such houses and the assistance Clare County Council can provide to the various organisations dealing with the disability services.

Padraig MacCormaic stated Clare County Council works closely with the HSE in regard to monitoring and identifying persons with a disability and in prioritising cases.  Approximately 24% of all new tenancies are allocated to persons living with a disability.    In regard to right- sizing/step down housing currently there is no funding available through the second-hand acquisition process but this is being brought to the SPC with a view to developing a policy.

Ms. Suzie Clifford acknowledged the work of the Housing & Disability Steering Group and welcomed the opportunity to join this group.  The focus will be on bringing disability services into Clare through multi agency collaboration.  ow

 

Item no. 17: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. James Ryan

Ar molagh Cllr. James Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr.   Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that there is a new junction installed on the Athlunkard Road so traffic can flow properly out of Carraig Midhe and the new development. 

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

A Planning Application (PL No. 25-60108) has been submitted for a new housing development of 101 residential units. The application and any impacts on the existing road infrastructure will be assessed by appropriate teams within Clare County before a recommendation is made by the Planning Dept.

 

Item no. 18: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. James Ryan

Ar molagh Cllr. James Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

Since the last storm there are many blocked drains in the Shannon MD from Shannon town right across to Parteen. I ask Clare County Council to please unblock these. I further ask that the broken ones are replaced and tackle areas where the capacity of the drains is too small.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

A considerable amount of work has been undertaken to clear block drains since the start of the year. A crew will be dispatched to clear any blocked drains that still require attention.

This is work that we carry out throughout the year.

 

Item no. 19: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. James Ryan

Ar molagh Cllr. James Ryan

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Michael Begley agus glacadh leis:

The river at Shannonbanks is a very good amenity for the locality but it could be so much more than it is. We will soon have some raised beds on Riverside Drive which is a great addition and very welcome. I ask Clare County Council to make public their long-term plans for this area and organise a public consultation on this.  It would be a helpful way to gauge what people would like to see in this area in the future.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

Shannon Municipal District Office has submitted an application under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) programme operated by the Dept of Rural and Community Development which if successful would allow for a feasibility study into upgraded pedestrian links along the river focusing between Shannon Banks and Parteen.

 

Item no.’s 20 - 22 Notice of Motions submitted by Cllr. Rachel Hartigan

As Councillor Rachel Hartigan had left the meeting at this stage it was proposed by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman that Cllr. Hartigan’s Notice of Motions would be deferred to the May meeting of the Shannon MD.  This was seconded by Cllr. Michael Begley.

 

Item no. 23 - Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

I request that this MD would raise the road and install a drainage system to alleviate flooding and to also repair the damage to the road at Newpark, Sixmilebridge.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

A crew will be dispatched to open areas to create pathways to the drains from the public road. Private householders should be aware of their responsibility to prevent water from their properties entering the public road.

 

Item no. 24: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr.  John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

I request that this MD would repair the subsidence on the road going from the Ministers Cross to Clonmoney north cross.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

An assessment will be required to determine the issue here. This will inform what further action is required to remedy the situation.

 

Item no. 25: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Ar molagh Cllr. Pat O’Gorman

Cuidithe ag Cllr. John Crowe agus glacadh leis:

I request that Clare County Council look at putting in place a raised pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights at Cratloe Cross. Furthermore, traffic calming measures be put in place on the approach to the lights to indicate to motorists that they are approaching a pedestrian crossing.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

This Office will seek funding to allow an upgrade at this crossing point. In the meantime, road markings will be refreshed.

 

Item no. 26:  Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting that a footpath be constructed and street lights installed from the Ballysheen Road to the footpath at O'Garney Heights because there are over seventeen children of school age using this road. It is also a popular road to access Ballysheen graveyard, and for recreational walkers. I am requesting this in the interests of safety.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

A grant of planning permission (planning number 22-1157) was given in 2023 for a seven-unit development on the Ballysheen road.  Condition no. 2 required a new footpath from the estate to the R470, Sixmilebridge to Newmarket-on-Fergus road.

This Office will allow for an access into O’Garney heights and onward to the town once this is completed.

 

Item no. 27: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting resurfacing of the roads in the Shannon Road estate, due to the current deterioration of the road surface.  Also, that the road linking the front and the rear of the estate be included in the resurfacing and be considered for traffic calming measures with associated yellow lines.

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

It will not be possible to include the upgrade of this road in the 2025 proposed roads programme, however it will be assessed for the 2026 programme.

In the meantime, maintenance works will continue.

 

Cllr. Crowe requested that the potholes to be filled as a matter of urgency until such time as the road is resurfaced. 

 

Item no. 28: Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. John Crowe

Ar molagh Cllr. John Crowe

Cuidithe ag Cllr. Pat O’Gorman agus glacadh leis:

I am requesting an update on the following lighting installation and also a timeline for the completion of these works at Kilmurry road at the Doctors Cross and Shannon road.  

Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer, Shannon Municipal District replied as follows:

Eir have informed this Office that they have appointed a contractor to take on the works they require completed. They have indicated this will occur during April. This will allow Clare County Council to complete the footpath.

 

Item no. 29: AOB

• Cllr. Michael Begley circulated a document providing information on a transport system operating in Belfast called the Glider bus.  It operates a “hop on hop off” system with various stopping points and uses the existing road network.  Cllr. Begley stated that this transport system could be considered as an alternative to a railway line from Sixmilebridge to Shannon Airport with the possibility of extending it to other areas such as Shannon Town, Bunratty and Newmarket on Fergus.  Cllr. Begley also noted that significant saving could also be achieved in comparison to a rail link.    

Cllr. Begley proposed that the Shannon MD Members visit Belfast to view this transport system and meet with Belfast City Council and the relevant stakeholders to discuss the operation of this system.  This was supported by all the Members and was seconded by Cllr. John Crowe. 

It was noted that Chief Executive approval is required for this trip.

• Special meeting of the Shannon MD will take place on Friday 4^th April at 9.45pm in relation to the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2025.
• A meeting be organised with Limerick County Council to discuss items of mutual interest.  Alan Farrell stated that this will be requested and that the Members compile a list of items they wish to be raised.     

This concluded the business of the meeting. 

 

 

Signed:                                                                      Signed:                                                            

               Meetings Administrator                                               Cathaoirleach

 

Dated:                         May, 2025

Page last reviewed: 27/05/25

Content managed by: Shannon Municipal District

Back to top