Shannon.ie - Area Council Replies March 2006

"That as part of the traffic management plan for Tola Park and Dernish Lawn that consideration be given to opening up the area between Tola Park and Dernish Lawn as a one way system for vehicular traffic."

I wish to reply as follows:

The proposal has been assessed and a one way system for traffic between Tola Park and Dernish Lawn would not be considered appropriate for the following reasons;

Michael Healy Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure

To ask this Council to provide us with a Timescale for the completion of works to upgrade Tradaree Court Flats as promised on the Takeover of Services from SFADCO

I wish to reply as follows:

A feasibility study has been prepared by Healy & Partner, Architects. The Council will be seeking approval from the DEHLG to proceed with the design of a new scheme of two-bedroom apartments on 2 and 3 floor levels subject to consultation with the Planning Section, the Shannon Area Councillors, the Residents and preparation of a proposal for Part VIII. This will be progressed as quickly as possible but we are not in a position to provide an overall timescale at this time

Madeleine McCarthy A/Senior Executive Officer Housing & Social Services

That Clare County Council give a report in relation to the Shannon Electoral Area, covering road safety measures, concerning maintenance of warning and directional signs and road markings for 2006

I wish to reply as follows:

The Council will endeavour to maintain warning and directional signage and road lining in good condition within the Shannon Electoral Area. Signs and lining will be renewed if necessary subject to budgetary constraints. There will be an extensive amount of lining carried out following resurfacing during the year. Road signage on Regional Roads will be upgraded during 2007 on foot of a special allocation from the Department of Environment. I will liase with the Councillors regarding any particular items of signing and lining that are of concern

Donal Hogan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure

That Clare County Council provide Local Authority housing in Newmarket on Fergus

I wish to reply as follows:

The Council is actively seeking land for social housing in Newmarket on Fergus

Madeleine McCarthy A/Senior Executive Officer Housing & Social Services

‘To ask this Council for the start up date for the sanctioned footbridge to be located at the Square, Sixmilebridge. As the volume of traffic has become very heavy over this bridge, I am extremely worried for the safety of the pedestrians using this bridge’

I wish to reply as follows:

The Council has progressed a scheme for Sixmilebridge as part of the overall Urban & Village Renewal programme. Detailed proposals were prepared and were put forward for public consultation. There is no start date for the footbridge at present due to the following issues;

In view of the issues that require to be addressed it is difficult to see the project being progressed within the current round of funding under the UVR scheme. It is intended that in the event of the issues being satisfactorily resolved that the project would be resubmitted under a future programme

Ruth Hurley Executive Architect

That an update be provided on the exact status of the Cappa Rossmanagher Group water scheme

I wish to reply as follows:

I understand the current position of the Cappa/Rosmanagher GWS to be that the upgrading of the scheme is completed apart from securing some marker posts. The Group had a problem in the last few months in finding a contractor with the appropriate insurance to repair a leak. The contractor has agreed to carry out other repairs/maintenance that may be required. The Group were unable to get the insurance to allow the Group to carry out the repairs

Pat Connellan Staff Officer Group Schemes Section

That this Council will provide lighting on the public pathway that joins Ballycaseymore Housing Estate with Carrig Lia

I wish to reply as follows:

This footpath measuring about 150 metres, is part of a network of footpaths linking Ballycasey area to Tullyvarraga. Public lighting has been provided on these footpaths with the exception of this 150-metre section. In these circumstances a costing will be obtained from the ESB to extend lighting at this location. The matter will be further considered when this information is available

Donal Hogan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure

That Clare County Council clean out the drainage channels on Bothar na Luachra due to flooding problems in the area of Cronan Lawn

I wish to reply as follows:

This work will be carried out as soon as possible

Donal Hogan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure

That Clare County Council due to excessive speed of some motorists would provide speed limits between Grays Cross and Ministers Cross

I wish to reply as follows:

The speed limit on this section of the Regional Road from Sixmilebridge to Shannon is 80km per hour. The provision of a reduced speed limit was considered during the recent review of speed limits. It was considered that a reduced speed limit was not appropriate in this case

Donal Hogan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure

Road Upgrade – The road from the Square, Sixmilebridge to the junction of Oatfield Cross is in need of urgent upgrade, as this is a treacherous stretch of road. It has been looked at on numerous occasions and it has been agreed that it is a very dangerous stretch of road, yet nothing has been done about it. I am extremely worried when I see the ESB erecting poles on stretch where the road has been widened. The volume of traffic on this road has increased 10 fold in the last few years and once again I make a request that it is sorted out

I wish to reply as follows:

This section of road will be widened and resurfaced during 2006 as part of the Road Works Programme

Donal Hogan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure

That individual serviced sites be made available in Shannon as a matter of urgency

I wish to reply as follows:

The Council has taken over a landbank in Shannon arising from the Takeover of the services in the town by the Council in 2004. Murray O'Laoire Consultant Architects have been engaged to prepare a Master Plan for the lands in question and it is intended that provision will be made in the Master Plan for individual serviced sites. Discussions on the Master Plan are ongoing with the Electoral Area Members

Michael McNamara Senior Executive Officer Corporate Services

That this Council would update the Area Councillors on existing and proposed Traffic Calming Measures for Newmarket on Fergus and Shannon

I wish to reply as follows:

As part of the 2006 Road Works Programme it is intended to provide traffic calming measures at Ard na Greine and at Cul na Ceapa near the Old Lodge Hotel. A raised junction, which is a traffic calming measure, has been provided by the developer of a new housing estate on the Ballycar Road – opposite Goodwood Estate in Newmarket on Fergus. This was provided in consultation with the Council

Donal Hogan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure

That Clare County Council give a report in relation to the recently re-opened Town Park in Shannon, advising the elected Members as to who is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of this public facility

I wish to reply as follows:

The upgrading of the Town Park is bring carried out by the Developers of the adjoining lands on foot of the grant of planning Permission for the development of these lands. The developer is responsible for the management of the upgraded Town Park until the landscaped areas and public pedestrian routes within the development are taken in charge by the Council

Donal Hogan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure

That Clare County Council would provide traffic calming measures at Avondale Newmarket on Fergus

I wish to reply as follows:

I will arrange to have a vehicle count and speed survey carried out in this estate as soon as possible. The results of this survey will assist the Council in determining the necessity for traffic calming. The Council’s policy on traffic calming will have to be complied with, when the council is proposing any traffic calming measures

Donal Hogan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure

Public Lighting – I request that there be public lighting erected around Sixmilebridge National School and the GAA complex as these 2 centres are being used each night for various meetings, shows, scouts, bingo and indoor sporting activities

I wish to reply as follows:

I will arrange with the ESB to inspect the existing public lighting at this location to determine if upgrading of the lights is required

Donal Hogan Senior Executive Engineer Transportation & Infrastructure