Minutes May 2024 Meeting West Clare Municipal District
Location: Held in the Council Chamber, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare and online via MS Teams
On: Tuesday 7th May, 2024
Time: 1.30pm
Present
Councillors
Cllr. Ian Lynch
Cllr. Cillian Murphy
Cllr. Rita McInerney
Cllr. Joe Killeen
Cllr. Shane Talty
Cllr. Gabriel Keating
Cllr. Joe Garrihy
Present via MS Teams:
Cllr. Liam Grant
Apologies
Cllr. PJ Kelly
Officials Present
Mr. Jason Murphy Director of Service
Mr. John O’Malley Senior Executive Officer & Meetings Administrator
Mr. John Corry A/Senior Executive Officer WCMD (Ennistymon)
Mr. Alan Kennelly Senior Executive Engineer WCMD (Kilrush)
Mr. Tony Neville Senior Executive Engineer WCMD (Ennistymon)
Mr. Steve Lahiffe Senior Staff Officer
Ms. Carmel Carey Staff Officer
Presiding
The Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ian Lynch presided.
Item 1: Minutes of March Meeting of West Clare MD held on the 5th March, 2024
Ar moladh Cllr. Shane Talty Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
Item 2: Minutes of Special Meeting of West Clare MD held on the 8th April, 2024
Ar moladh Cllr. Cillian Murphy Cuidithe ag Cllr. Shane Talty agus glacadh leis
Item 3: Section 38, 1994 Road Traffic Act – proposed low cost safety measure at Lahinch
Ar moladh Cllr. Shane Talty
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Ian Lynch agus glacadh leis
Item 4: Section 38 ,1994 Road Traffic Act – proposed low cost safety measure at Doolin
Ar moladh Cllr. Shane Talty
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Ian Lynch agus glacadh leis
Item 5: Section 11 Roads Act 1993 – Declaration of a Public Road at Rineen Miltown Malbay
Ar moladh Cllr. Shane Talty
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
Item 6: Section 11 Roads Acts, 1993 – Declaration of Public Road at Caherfeenick North, Doonbeg.
Ar moladh Cllr. Cillian Murphy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rita McInerney agus glacadh leis
Item 7: Section 11 Roads Acts, 1993 – Declaration of Public Road at Ard na Mara, Fort Road, Kilrush.
Ar moladh Cllr. Ian Lynch
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Shane Talty agus glacadh leis
Item 8: Section 11 Roads Acts, 1993 – Declaration of Public Road at Cappa Drive Upper, Kilrush. Co. Clare.
Ar moladh Cllr. Ian Lynch
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
Rural Development, Planning & Economic Development, Social
Item 9: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Ian Lynch
Ar moladh Cllr. Ian Lynch
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rita McInerney agus glacadh leis
As one of fifteen heritage towns, Kilrush is recognised for its market heritage. While the long stand tradition of horse fairs still takes place in the town the profile and accessibility to horse fairs has changed. To ensure the survival of this long standing tradition I request that the casual trading by-laws are amended to allow the horse fairs to take place on Sundays.
Reply from Carmel Greene Senior Executive Officer Property Management Unit
Traditionally the Horse Fairs in Kilrush have been held on the following set dates during the year and have never been held on a Saturday or Sunday.
If the date happens to fall on a Saturday or Sunday, then the fair moves to the following Monday instead.
The traditional Horse Fair Days are set as follows:
25th March,
1st Thursday in June,
10th October &
23rd November
As part of the Horse Fair event, casual trading in permitted in accordance with the Casual Trading Bye-Laws adopted for the West Clare Municipal District.
Should the organisers of the Horse Fair seek to formally change the dates and days of the Horse Fair, the Council can consider a review of the Bye-Laws.
Item 10: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Cillian Murphy
Ar moladh Cllr. Cillian Murphy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Ian Lynch agus glacadh leis
That the access road to Seafield pier be repaired in time for the upcoming bathing season.
Reply from Alan Kennelly Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kirush
A section of the L-2090 leading to Seafield pier is included in the 2024 Schedule of Municipal District Works.
Cllr. Murphy appreciated the reply.
Item 11: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Cillian Murphy
Ar moladh Cllr. Cillian Murphy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rita McInerney agus glacadh leis
That an assessment be carried out at the Danganelly horse riding school, Danganelly bar & crossroads with a view to providing a Safety Improvement Scheme due to the amount of people using this area, young and old.
Reply from Alan Kenneally Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kilrush
I will include this crossroads in our application for Low Cost Safety Schemes to be installed in 2025.
Cllr Murphy appreciated the reply. He added that this was a really busy stretch of road which is approached at speed and asked if slow down signage could be provided in the interim to slow traffic down.
Item 12 : Notice of Motion from Cllr. Joe Killeen
Ar moladh Cllr. Joe Killeen
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Shane Talty agus glacadh leis
We call on Clare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to advertise the free Shuttle-bus for the Burren National Park as a matter of urgency.
Reply from Carol Gleeson UNESCO Geopark Manager Tourism Directorate
The Burren national Park is a gem at the heart of the Burren. While it falls within the area of the Geopark it is state-owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on behalf of the people of Ireland. The Burren National Park operate an Information point in the nearby village of Corofin. A free bus shuttle service runs from the Information Point in Corofin to the trailhead at Gortlecka Cross, in the Burren National Park, daily from May to August every 30 minutes from 9.30am to 5pm. Due to lack of on-site parking, we strongly encourage visitors and locals to use this shuttle bus to visit the Burren National Park during the summer. For further information visit: https://www.nationalparks.ie/burren/free-shuttle-bus-service-timetable/
https://www.burrengeopark.ie/discover-explore/
The Burren Ecotourism Network are promoting the Bus on the Visit the Burren Facebook Page, we have a video released about it, here is the link.
Cllr. Killeen is requesting that Clare County Council better advertise the shuttle bus service and increase connectivity around the Burren National Park.
Cllr. Killeen is requesting that Clare County Council better advertise the shuttle bus service and increase connectivity around the Burren National Park.
Item 13 : Notice of Motion from Cllr. Joe Garrihy
Ar moladh Cllr. Joe Garrihy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Shane Talty agus glacadh leis
I call on West Clare MD to outline the support for Coastal Beach maintenance and coastal areas litter controls for the Summer Season 2024.
Reply from John Corry A/Senior Executive Officer and John O’Malley Senior Executive Officer West Clare MD
Kilrush LEA
4 Beach Operatives will be employed in the Kilrush LEA for the 2024 summer season. 2 of these Beach Operatives have already started work in time for the May Bank Holiday weekend, with the remaining 2 due to commence before the June Bank Holiday weekend. At present it is envisaged that they will be assigned primarily to Kilkee, but they will also be assigned to our other beaches - Cappagh (Blue Flag), White Strand Doonbeg (Blue Flag), Carrigaholt (Green Coast) & Seafield (Green Coast). An additional resource will be in place to carry out regular beach clean ups and maintenance in the Seafield area. Our town crew in Kilrush open & maintain the public toilets in Cappagh and ensure that the area is kept free of litter. In addition staff from our roads crews are assigned to beach duties occasionally, which increases during the main summer season, especially if the weather is favourable. Similar to the Ennistymon LEA on rotation, staff from our roads crews are deployed full time, seven days a week, to beach maintenance, provision of toilet facilities and litter control during the season to emphasise the prioritisation that we place on effective beach maintenance. Also, our Community Warden & Traffic / Litter warden is assigned to our beaches for the Summer and we work with our Environmental outdoor staff to extend this presence during the summer season.
Ennistymon LEA
A total of 12 no. Beach Operatives will be employed during the 2024 season, focusing on the upkeep of facilities and welcoming visitors to Spanish Point, White Strand (Miltown Malbay), Lahinch, Doolin and Fanore. Contracts for each individual Beach Operative will vary but 6 no. Operatives have commenced already, some of these since 1st of March, and some contracts will run until the end of October. In effect our “Season” is now 8 months in duration. Each Beach Operative will work in conjunction with existing Clare County Council staff to ensure our facilities are maintained to a high standard. On rotation, a total of 8 no. staff from our roads crews are deployed full time, seven days a week, to beach maintenance, provision of toilet facilities and litter control during the season to emphasise the prioritisation that we place on effective beach maintenance.
As part of the Doolin Pier Bye Laws 2017 a Harbour Master is required when ferries are in operation. 2 No. Harbour Masters are engaged to provide this service 7 days a week between March and October inclusive.
Cllr. Garrihy was supported by a number of members with his motion all agreeing that adequate resources have to be put in place ahead of a busy summer season. It was noted all the progress made to date to bring facilities up to better standards .
Physical Development
Item 14: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Gabriel Keating
Ar moladh Cllr. Gabriel Keating
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
That Clare Co. Council provide an update on the extension of footpath from Caravan Park to the Village of Carrigaholt
Reply from Alan Kennelly Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kilush
It is planned that this work will be completed in 2024. A number of environmental consents remain to be finalised.
Cllr. Keating expressed thanks for the positive response.
Item 15: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Gabriel Keating
Ar moladh Cllr. Gabriel Keating
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
To request Clare Co. Council to carry out surface dressing on L2006-27 from Hugh Roche’s hill westwards
Reply from Alan Kennelly Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kilrush
The L-2006-27 is not included on the recently adopted 2024 Schedule of Municipal District Works. It can be considered for inclusion on future Schedules. I have spoken with the Area Engineer and the local roads senior General Services Supervisor and asked them to ensure that the road is maintained in a passable condition.
Item 16: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Gabriel Keating
Ar moladh Cllr. Gabriel Keating
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rita McInerney agus glacadh leis
To include an extension drainage works on the WCMD where necessary with any extra funding made available in 2024 in view of the change in climate conditions due to the recent excessive rainfall
Reply from Alan Kennelly Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kilrush
If further additional funding becomes available, we will certainly consider carrying out additional drainage works. West Clare MD did engage a contractor recently and additional drainage works have been carried out already this year.
Cllr. Keating is requesting that West Clare MD write to the Minister to appeal for more funding to carry out necessary drainage works following recent heavy rainfall.
Item 17: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Ian Lynch
Ar moladh Cllr. Ian Lynch
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Rita McInerney agus glacadh leis
That the West Clare MD develop an annual programme of works for the construction of raised crossing points at the entrance to towns and villages to help slow traffic down. I request that Cooraclare, Kilmihil and Doonbeg are priorities in an initial pilot scheme.
Reply from Alan Kenneally Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kilrush
Raised crossing points are designed to slow traffic down to facilitate safer pedestrian and cyclist crossing points. A recent revision to the Traffic Signs Manual allows for crossing points with high visibility road signs and road markings. An electricity supply for flashing beacons is not needed.
West Clare MD is agreeable to installing a number of raised crossing points annually as suggested by this Notice of Motion. A funding source will have to be identified. If the raised crossing points are to be funded from West Clare MD own resources, then perhaps one or two crossing per year may be possible. If another funding stream becomes available then greater numbers of raised crossing points may be installed.
A general discussion was had with regard the need to put a programme of works in place over the coming years and it was agreed that a list of suitable locations would be sub mitted to the MD for consideration.
Item 18: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Ian Lynch
Ar moladh Cllr. Ian Lynch
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Shane Talty agus glacadh leis
With the improvement works to Kilrush Waste Water Treatment plant almost complete I am requesting Uisce Éireann to expand the existing public main to areas beyond Kilrush Urban area. This will eliminate the requirements for septic tanks and will lead to greater environmental improvement. The scheme should prioritise extending a public main at Ballynote along the "Shellshock/ Rock road"
Reply from John O’Malley Senior Executive Officer West Clare MD Kilrush
If members are in agreement I will write to Uisce Eireann with this request and revert back to Members with any feedback received.
Item 19: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Cillian Murphy
Ar moladh Cllr. Cillian Murphy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Ian Lynch agus glacadh leis
That CCC engage with TII to install warning signs at the eastern approach to the turn off for Lisdeen Graveyard on the N67.
Reply from Michael McNamara A/ Senior Executive Engineer Transportation
Clare County Council shall issue to TII’s Signing and Lining Section, a request for assessment of advanced warning signage on the approach to the junction of the L-2018 with the N67 which serves Lisdeen Graveyard.’
Cllr Murphy appreciated the reply.
Item 20: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Rita McInerney
Ar moladh Cllr. Rita McInerney
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Ian Lynch agus glacadh leis
Considering the rise in accidents and fatalities on Ireland’s roads in recent months, that Clare County Council implement traffic calming measures at Moyasta Village, Shragh National School and Doonbeg Village as areas in particular where residents and users have raised concerns at the speed of traffic recently.
Reply from Alan Kennelly Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kilrush
The increasing numbers of road fatalities on our roads is of major concern to all of us, and it is in all of our interests to improve road safety. There were four fatalities in the West Clare MD – Kilrush LEA in 2023, a figure that is far too high. Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by the fatalities and serious accidents that have occurred on our roads.
This Notice of Motion requests traffic calming measures at –
Moyasta Village – located on the N67 National Secondary Road.
Shragh National School – located on the L-2032 Local Road.
Doonbeg Village – located on the N67 National Secondary Road.
Traffic calming measures are designed with the prevailing speed limit in mind. What may be an appropriate traffic calming measure in an 80 kmh-1 speed limit may not be appropriate in a 50 kmh-1 (& vice-versa).
A review of the speed limits nationally has been carried out by the Department of Transport and a “Speed Limit Review Report” published in September 2023. This report has made recommendations that will impact the setting and application of speed limits. My understanding is that progress is being made in relation to legislation and guidelines on lowering default speed limits to:
30 kmh-1 Urban Areas
60 kmh-1 Rural Local Roads
80 kmh-1 National Secondary Roads
The lowering of default speed limits as outlined above would have a bearing on the most appropriate traffic calming measures for Moyasta, Shragh NS & Doonbeg village, but reduced default speed limits should slow drivers down. The overarching objective of the 2023 Report was to improve road safety.
The Report recommendations are being progressed through necessary legislation and supporting statutory guidelines. Variations to the default speed limits will be permitted by way of local authority bye-laws in accordance with the published guidelines for managing speed limits”. Following the enactment of the legislation relevant sections relating to speed limits will be commenced. Updates to the statutory guidelines for managing speed limits will issue to Local Authorities by way of a direction from the Department of Transport.
A lot of work will be required to get all the necessary signage in place to implement the change in default speed limits – for example not only will every speed limit sign on National Secondary Roads & Local Roads have to be changed, every sign on every junction of a National Secondary with a Local Road will also have to be changed.
The design of traffic calming measures for roads that will soon have a lowered default speed limit is premature pending the full implementation of the 2023 Speed Limit Review.
The Members are requesting to know when the speed limit review will be implemented.
Item 21: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Rita McInerney
Ar moladh Cllr. Rita McInerney
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Ian Lynch agus glacadh leis
In light of the 2023 Environmental Protection Agency Site Visits and Reports for the West Clare Regional Water Supplies on water quality and incidents, with Actions Required by 27/10/2023, that Clare County Council request an urgent update from Uisce Eireann on the timeline for the delivery of these Action Plans.
Reply from John O’Malley Senior Executive Officer West Clare MD Kilrush
If members are in agreement I will write to Uisce Eireann with this request and revert back to Members with any feedback received.
The members discussed their disappointment with the lack of information coming from Uisce Eieann around a number of issues ; feedback in relation to EPA reports and recommendations, water quality and water outages.
Item 22: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Rita McInerney
Ar moladh Cllr. Rita McInerney
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Ian Lynch agus glacadh leis
Ask that Clare County Council, in conjunction with the other relevant government agen cies, carry out remedial works (possible dredging and/or widening) on the Doonbeg River in the Mountrivers and Shragh areas to alleviate the consistent and ongoing flooding of farmland, properties and roads in the locality.
Reply from Alan Kennelly Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kilrush
The Doonbeg River is neither an Arterial Drainage Scheme (schemes the OPW has a statutory duty to maintain) or a Drainage District (Local authorities are charged with responsibility to maintain Drainage Districts. The Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 contains a number of provisions for the management of Drainage Districts).
Clare County Council did carry out works to raise a road near Shragh recently, and these works have prevented 2 houses from being cut off by flood waters.
Given the objectives of the Water Framework Directive, the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, the Habitats Directive & the requirements of the Aarhus Convention (e.g. in relation to public participation) I’d suggest that the likelihood of getting consent for large scale in-stream works like dredging or widening the river are remote.
Cllr. McInerney was thankful for the reply. She highlighted the ongoing flooding issue landowners along the river Shragh experience for many months on an annual basis and asked if the matter could be kept on the agenda for possible future works.
Item 23: Notice of Motion from Cllr. PJ Kelly
Ar moladh Cllr. PJ Kelly
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
That immediate repairs be carried out to a section of L6344 at Decomade, Lissycasey
Reply from Alan Kennelly Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kilrush
The L-6344 is not included on the recently adopted 2024 Schedule of Municipal District Works. It can be considered for inclusion on future Schedules. I have spoken with the Area Engineer and the local roads senior General Services Supervisor and asked them to ensure that the road is maintained in a passable condition.
Item 24: Notice of Motion from Cllr. PJ Kelly
Ar moladh Cllr. PJ Kelly
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
That an uptodate report be made available to indicate what proposals are being made to address the safety issues at Cranny Cross and the N68
Reply from Anne O’Sullivan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation
The Road Design Office is progressing safety improvement proposals at Cranny Cross N68 in accordance with the TII Road Safety Improvement Scheme Approval Procedure.
I refer you to the response provided at the March meeting. The provision of a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) as an interim safety intervention on the N68 at Cranny Cross has been approved in principle & will be funded by TII. Engagement is ongoing with the relevant landowner regarding the exact siting of this sign.
Concept design options for alignment improvements at this junction will be informed by the topographical survey completed in March. Clare County Council will continue engagement with TII on safety improvements at this location and will discuss emerging concept designs proposals with the TII Road Safety Team.
The members noted that this item was on the agenda for years and were disappointed at the slow pace of TII to take action.
Item 25: Notice of Motion from Cllr. PJ Kelly
Ar moladh Cllr. PJ Kelly
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Shane Talty agus glacadh leis
That the Council take over a road which links the N68 and house V95 R8E8 at Tubernidane (Tubernidane, Lissycasey)
Reply from Alan Kennelly Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Kilrush
I would refer the elected member to the Clare County Council Document “Taking in charge policy for private roads”, which sets out the procedure for taking private roads in charge, as defined in Section 11 (Declaration of Public Roads) of the Roads Act 1993.
- Process Initiation.
- Public consultation.
- Consideration of submissions received.
4.Engineer’s report.
- Municipal District Meeting.
- Post consultation.
- Responsibilities of the Council thereafter.
If this Motion is adopted by the elected members of the West Clare MD here today, the process will have been initiated and we can move to the public consultation stage.
Item 26: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Shane Talty
Ar moladh Cllr. Shane Talty
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
Ask that the old Ballard Road Estate in Miltown Malbay be prioritised within the MD for resurfacing with the next allocation of funding dedicated to legacy local authority estates, expected in summer 2024.
Reply from Tony Neville Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Ennistymon
Confirmation of funding for local authority estates has not been confirmed to-date. Should sufficient funding materialise, Ballard Road Estate in Miltown Malbay will be included as part of the scheme.
Cllr. Talty welcomed the reply adding that there was a number of older estates across the county that needed attention.
Item 27: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Liam Grant
Ar moladh Cllr. Liam Grant
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Ian Lynch agus glacadh leis
"I call on the West Clare MD to organise a trip for elected members in collaboration with Uisce Éireann to visit several of their operational sites in North Clare. This trip should include visits to Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Ennistymon and Liscannor wastewater treatment plants and the Ballymacraven water treatment plants.
I think it is really important that the elected members see how disgusting some of wastewater and water infrastructure is and better understand the controversies that have surrounded them. We currently have the wastewater infrastructure of a third world country and more needs to be done to fast track new facilities. Uisce Éireann should be present on site to explain to elected members the short comings in our infrastructure and what is being planned to improve this."
Reply from John Corry A/Senior Executive Officer West Clare MD Ennistymon
If members are in agreement I will write to Uisce Eireann with this request and revert back to Members with any feedback received.
Cllr Grant suggested that if an invite was extended to WCMD by Uisce Eireann to tour water treatment facilities in the county, local TDs should also be invited. He said that it was important that they understand how UE operate the treatment plants and alleviate public fears about them.
Item 28: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Liam Grant
Ar moladh Cllr. Liam Grant
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Shane Talty agus glacadh leis
Call on the West Clare MD to give an update on the unfinished cycle path between Lahinch and Liscannor and outline the future plans to finish the project. To give information on any legal proceedings ongoing and funding required.
The unfinished path has been an eye sore and an embarrassment to the area for quite some time. The local people would love to see this finished and the walking and cycling infrastructure invested in.
Reply from Tony Neville Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Ennistymon
Clare County Council previously applied to An Bord Pleanala for Substitute Consent for the project at Ballyellery, Liscannor. This was granted but included consent only for the roadworks already undertaken.
A further Part 8 planning application is required to complete the works and this process will commence shortly.
A subsequent application for funding, either via Active Travel or other sources will be required.
The Members all agreed that the unfinished cycle path between Lahinch and Liscannor was an eyesore and one of the biggest embarrassments for Clare County Council. Cllr. Talty welcomed the process would commence which would show a real commitment and devote funding to it. Cllr. Garrihy added that it was an ideal opportunity with the North Clare Mobility Plan that every town and village be linked with safe cycle and walkways and that active travel funding needs to include rural areas.
Item 29: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Shane Talty
Ar moladh Cllr. Shane Talty
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Joe Killeen agus glacadh leis
Request that significant repair works be carried out along the Ballan/Moher Road (Rock Shop to Kilconnell Cross). This needs to include drainage works to get the flooding off
the road & then to re-instate the surface.
Reply from Tony Neville Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Ennistymon
Alterations and or lack of maintenance to existing drains within private lands has resulted in the deterioration of this public road. Discussions are ongoing with the parties involved in an effort to resolve. In the meantime, routine maintenance will be carried out as required.
Cllr. Talty expressed thanks for the reply. He said that this was a heavily trafficked road leading to the Cliffs of Moher Walk which is in a bad state of repair. He acknowledged previous repair works had been carried out but something more than intermittent repairs is required.
Item 30: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Shane Talty
Ar moladh Cllr. Shane Talty
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Liam Grant agus glacadh leis
That signs & rumble strips be installed along the Lower Quay Road in Liscannor to slow motorists & prevent parking which blocks the local access during the summer.
Reply from Tony Neville Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Ennistymon
Clare County Council will undertake a survey along this road to determine the extent of the speeding issue. There is one speed ramp in-situ. This public road is extremely narrow and any parking outside of the private pull-in areas would cause a serious obstruction. This will be investigated further to determine the most appropriate solution.
Cllr. Talty expressed thanks for the reply and suggested if a site visit could be arranged. Speeding is an issue on the road and aswell as holiday homes, there a number of elderly occupants living there who would appreciate regularized parking.
Item 31: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Joe Killeen
Ar moladh Cllr. Joe Killeen
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Joe Garrihy agus glacadh leis
We call on Clare County Council to instal a pedestrian access area along Main Street Corofin and explore provision of a Pedestrian Crossing on Main Street.
Reply from Tony Neville Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Ennistymon
The provision of a footpath along the narrow section of Main Street, Corofin has been considered for a number of years but requires the cessation of parking along this section. This has been discussed again recently with the Corofin Future Planning Association as part of a combined effort to resolve. We will refer the request for a Pedestrian Crossing to our Road Design Section to commence the process.
Cllr Killeen expressed thanks for the reply. He acknowledge a recent meeting with Corofin Future Planning Association and looked forward to a mutually agreed solution on the matter.
Item 32: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Joe Killeen
Ar moladh Cllr. Joe Killeen
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Shane Talty agus glacadh leis
We call on Clare County Council to repair the stone stairway and footpath near Nagles Shop in Kilfenora as a matter of health and safety.
Reply from Tony Neville Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Ennistymon
Clare County Council accept that the steps are in poor condition and require an upgrade. A slight re-design of the steps is being considered and this has been discussed with the relevant property owners. Once agreed we will source funding to complete the project.
Cllr. Killeen thanked the North Clare Executive for meeting with the local community group across north clare. He noted that the steps in Kilfenore were a unique feature and that it would mean a lot to the community if they could be repaired. Cllr. Garrihy acknowledged the great work done by local and voluntary groups throughout the County.
Item 33: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Joe Garrihy
Ar moladh Cllr. Joe Garrihy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
That a road known locally as “the march” beside O’Connors Pub, Fisher Street, Doolin be taken in charge ;
Reply from Tony Neville Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Ennistymon
In accordance with Clare County Council’s Document “taking in charge policy for private roads”, which sets out the procedure for taking private roads in charge, as defined in Section 11 (Declaration of Public Roads) of the Roads Act 1993,as follows ;
Process Initiation.
Public consultation.
Consideration of submissions received.
Engineer’s report.
Municipal District Meeting.
Post consultation
Responsibilities of the Council thereafter.
If this motion is passed by the elected members of the West Clare MD here today, the process will have been initiated and the Roads Department can move to the public consultation stage.
Item 34: Notice of Motion from Cllr. Joe Garrihy
Ar moladh Cllr. Joe Garrihy
Cuidithe ag Cllr. Cillian Murphy agus glacadh leis
That an extension of 250m of the L50222 to the east of Newquay Church and at the base of Abbey Hill be taken in charge;
Reply from Tony Neville Senior Executive Engineer West Clare MD Ennistymon
In accordance with Clare County Council’s Document “taking in charge policy for private roads”, which sets out the procedure for taking private roads in charge, as defined in Section 11 (Declaration of Public Roads) of the Roads Act 1993, as follows;
- Process Initiation.
- Public consultation.
- Consideration of submissions received.
- Engineer’s report.
- Municipal District Meeting.
- Post consultation
- Responsibilities of the Council thereafter.
If this motion is passed by the elected members of the West Clare MD here today, the process will have been initiated and the Roads Department can move to the public consultation stage.
Item 35 : Correspondence
Item 36 : Any Other Business
Cllr Lynch advised the meeting that Kilrush town was a poster free zone for the General Election.
Individual tributes were paid by the Members and Executive to Cllr. PJ Kelly on his significant contribution to Local Government throughout his 50 years as an elected member.
Conclusion
The meeting then concluded.
Signed: ____________________________
Cllr. Ian Lynch
Cathaoirleach
Signed: _____________________________
John O’Malley
Meetings Administrator
Date: _____________________________
Page last reviewed: 07/05/24
Content managed by: West Clare Municipal District
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