Clareabbey Roundabout ‘like Mondello Park’

*Clareabbey Roundabout. Photograph: Gary Collins

A scheme designed at improving the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists at one of the busiest roundabouts in the county is being devised.

An update was sought by Cllr Paul Murphy as to what future safety measures were proposed for the Clareabbey Roundabout. In a reply to the January meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Senior Executive Engineer, Ann Cronin confirmed that a scheme to “improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers at N85/R458 Clareabbey Roundabout is currently being designed by the Road Design Office and five different options are being evaluated”.

Consultation with TII has occurred and Cronin anticipated that a “feasibility report with a recommended option will be submitted to TII in March 2019 along with a request for funding”. A road safety audit is also required at the location.

Some of the measures being considered in the report include; the narrowing of the circulating carriageway plus roundabout entry and exit points, the provision of uncontrolled and controlled crossings, the provision of widened paths to provide a two-way cyclepath/foothpath around the west side of the roundabout, all necessary alterations to services, drainage, signing and lining.

“I’m delighted that a bit of traction is coming down the road. It’s like Mondello Park at the best of times with the speed people come onto the roundabout at. It doesn’t encourage youngsters from Clarecastle to cycle or walk to St Flannans. I welcome the reply and look forward to it coming to pass”, Cllr Murphy said.

Independent Cllr Ann Norton seconded Murphy’s motion. “This has been going on for some time, it needs to be looked at. We talk a lot about health and safety, this is a hugely important section of road”. Ennis’ Pat Daly also supported Cllr Murphy. “There are so many cyclists and pedestrians using what is one of the busiest roundabout in the county”. Cllr Mary Howard stated “at least two” cyclists were injured at the roundabout in recent times. “I go by this roundabout every single day and I must applaud Cllr Murphy for continuing to highlight it”, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy commented.