Long-awaited Kilkishen pedestrian safety scheme moves a step closer - Clare Echo

A LONG-awaited pedestrian safety scheme for Kilkishen has moved a step closer, with councillors told pedestrian crossings in Clare can cost between €30,000 and €40,000 each. The figures emerged during a discussion on road safety improvements in Kilkishen at the July meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, after Leas-Chathaoirleach Conor Ryan (FG) called for additional crossings at the village’s national school and Hamilton … Long-awaited Kilkishen pedestrian safety scheme moves a step closer Read More »

A LONG-awaited pedestrian safety scheme for Kilkishen has moved a step closer, with councillors told pedestrian crossings in Clare can cost between €30,000 and €40,000 each.

The figures emerged during a discussion on road safety improvements in Kilkishen at the July meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, after Leas-Chathaoirleach Conor Ryan (FG) called for additional crossings at the village’s national school and Hamilton Park, as well as improvements to the existing crossing and speed ramp.

In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Declan Flanagan said Clare County Council had spent the past year engaging with the Kilkishen Community Group, local residents, elected members and local TDs through meetings, workshops and “Walk and Talk” events. Traffic speed surveys carried out on approaches to the village had also informed the proposed traffic calming scheme.

He confirmed that €100,000 had been secured to deliver a number of pedestrian safety measures, including upgrading the existing zebra crossing at Kilkishen National School, constructing a raised traffic calming table on the approach to Plunkett Drive and providing a raised zebra crossing adjacent to Kilkishen GAA Club.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Ryan welcomed the council’s response, noting that three new pedestrian crossings were now proposed in addition to the existing crossing near the church.

He described the development as “fantastic” and praised council staff for securing funding for the works.

“ Kilkishen has cried out for this for a long time,” he said, adding that “the speed going through the village is incredible.”

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) welcomed the funding but warned €100,000 would “probably” be spent quickly given the cost of the works.

“People think that is a lot of money but it will probably cost that,” he said, adding that improved pedestrian safety was particularly needed around the sports field.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) said the community had “held us to account” on the issue while efforts are being made to resolve a long-standing safety concern.

Mr Flanagan said the council would also examine the feasibility of further pedestrian crossing improvements within the village, including the locations identified by Cllr Ryan, having regard to traffic volumes, pedestrian demand, road geometry, road safety considerations and available funding.

Responding to a question from Cllr Ryan on the timeline, Senior Executive Officer Eoin Troy said the scheme must first progress through the Section 38 public consultation process, which would be carried out in-house.

Mr Troy told councillors that a standard painted pedestrian crossing costs around €30,000, while a raised table crossing costs approximately €40,000.

He said the Kilkishen works formed part of a wider footpath and roads programme across the Municipal District with delivery expected by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

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