Senior engineers in Clare County Council have said the introduction of road markings along the Low Rd in Bunratty “would be detrimental”.

Tom Mellett, senior executive engineer in the Shannon Municipal District poured cold water on the request from Cllr John Crowe (FG) to line the Low Rd in Bunratty from the Minister’s Cross to the Folk Park.

Following consideration of the proposal, Mellett advised that the Office determined “it would be detrimental to introduce central road markings on the road. Where a road is narrow introducing central line markings gives drivers a false impression of space and belief that there is adequate space for opposing lanes of cars to pass. It can also lead to over running of the edge increasing the likelihood of damage to the road and vehicle”.

Roadstone trucks formerly used the road before the construction of the M18, Cllr Crowe recalled. The provision of a footpath to allow guests at B&Bs along the road walk to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for events was considered previously, Crowe noted. “Bunratty is a hive of activity, this is a very busy road but has absolutely no markings. There are two exceptionally dangerous bends on it,” he stated.

Examining the pinch points on the road would be worthwhile, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) surmised. “It is an extremely dangerous road with the amount of tourists walking on it”.

Cleaning of ditches along the road to provide a footpath and lighting was examined by retired engineer, Eugene O’Shea but insufficient funding existed to carry out the works, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) outlined. “There was a plan in place to carry out that work,” he insisted.

Flooding is also an issue on the road between the gullies and the walls of houses, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) flagged.

Action will need to be taken, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) remarked. “In recent years it has grown into a walkway for people and cycling to a certain extent. Long-term that road will have to be upgraded to bring modern specifications, the problem of a narrow road will not go away”.

Given the references to footpaths, lighting and flooding, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) observed that the Low Rd was “an ideal candidate” for a smarter travel programme, a suggestion that Mellett acknowledged had “potential”. “Be careful of what you ask for, smarter travel is bicycles and walking,” Cllr Flynn replied.

Related News

jarlath burns 1-2
GAA President Burns to maintain Scariff Harbour Festival's links with Northern Ireland & GAA
michael mcnamara 3
AI offers generational opportunity for Mid-West to become Ireland's digital home - McNamara
shannon airport departures 1-2
Passenger numbers up 7% to 1.04m for first half of 2025 at Shannon Airport
shannon airport fencing 2
Shannon Airport install new security fencing following recent breaches

Advertisement

Latest News
shannon airport departures 1-2
Passenger numbers up 7% to 1.04m for first half of 2025 at Shannon Airport
shannon airport fencing 2
Shannon Airport install new security fencing following recent breaches
1 DSC_9466
'There's no way we're not going to go again' - O'Donnell says no decisions made but exits from Clare camp unlikely
Killaloe-bridge
Trial pedestrianisation period announced for Killaloe to Ballina Bridge
brendan o'mara
Two Gardaí working full-time on case of €10m drug seizure involving Meelick ex Ryanair pilot
Premium
monaghan v clare 29-06-25 roisin considine jennifer duffy 1
Monaghan make their mark & send Clare out of ladies football championship
éire óg v doora barefield 29-06-25 cusack cup 1
Éire Óg win Cusack Cup for second time with dominant extra time display
waterford v clare minor 28-06-25 liam murphy gearoid o'shea james o'donnell 1
Déise deserving winners over Clare in All-Ireland minor final
tipperary v clare camogie 28-06-25 niamh costigan roisin begley 1
Tipp thump Clare but Carmody's charges still have All-Ireland quarter-final to look forward to
laurel lodge 07-11-23 3
Laurel Lodge resident further remanded in custody for alleged assault of retired judge

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement