TII moving ‘phenomenally slow’ to make Cranny Cross safer

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IRELAND (TII) have been criticised at moving at “a phenomenally slow pace” for trying to bring about road improvements at Cranny Cross.

In one of his final motions before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) sought an updated report “to indicate what proposals are being made to address the safety issues at Cranny Cross and the N68”.

Senior executive engineer in the transportation section of Clare County Council, Anne O’Sullivan outlined that the road design office in accordance with the TII Road Safety Improvement Scheme Approval Procedure was progressing safety improvement proposals for Cranny Cross on the N68.

She stated, “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 and 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,” O’Sullivan added.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) commended Cllr Kelly for highlighting conditions at Cranny Cross “over and over”. He stated, “the pace at which TII has worked at is phenomenally slow”. The Kilrush man lamented, “we’re still talking about a survey for this and a survey for that”.

Backing the proposal, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) stated, “When you see this and how long it has been going on, it puts your request for a sign at the graveyard in Lisdeen into perspective”. Murphy added, “It is not rocket science”.

Lack of investment on the N68 was criticised by Cllr Rita McInerney (FF). “As was pointed out to me by a contractor, if you are driving a slow moving vehicle like a tractor or trailer, you’re meant to pull in to allow a tractor to pass you out, in this case between the crossroads and Lissycasey, there is nowhere to pull in, it is down to the lack of investment in the N68”. She added, “There is nowhere for people to pull in which leads to people getting frustrated and overtaking which ultimately could have fatal consequences”.