Speed limit reduction proposed for Darragh ’accident blackspot’ - Clare Echo

A LONG-RUNNING campaign for road safety improvements in Darragh has received a boost after Clare County Council proposed reducing the speed limit on a section of the N68. The reduction, which applies to the N68 (Ennis to Kilrush Road) at Darragh, would see the speed limit lowered from 100km/h to 80km/h as part of Clare … Speed limit reduction proposed for Darragh ‘accident blackspot’ Read More »

A LONG-RUNNING campaign for road safety improvements in Darragh has received a boost after Clare County Council proposed reducing the speed limit on a section of the N68.

The reduction, which applies to the N68 (Ennis to Kilrush Road) at Darragh, would see the speed limit lowered from 100km/h to 80km/h as part of Clare County Council’s Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2026, which have now gone to public consultation as part of Phase 2 of the National Speed Limit Review.

The Darragh Road Safety Committee has campaigned for improvements on the route for the past seven years, raising concerns about the suitability of the existing speed limit and wider road safety issues.

A delegation from the committee previously met with Minister of State for Road Transport Sean Canney to highlight concerns in the area, presenting details of the campaign including 1,182 petition signatures and nine personal impact statements seeking safety improvements on the route.

Campaigners have also highlighted a 2011 National Roads Authority road safety review which identified Darragh as a high-risk location due to the frequency of junctions along the route.

The committee has also cited a Garda Collision Analysis Report which found that 33 collisions occurred on the N68 around Darragh, with a “clustering location” identified between the L41701 and L4190 junctions and Darragh North Cross, primarily around McNamee’s shop.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy Mayor of Ennis Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said local residents and campaigners deserved recognition for their efforts in highlighting the issue.

“For many years, local residents and campaigners have worked tirelessly to highlight the serious safety concerns at this location, and they deserve great credit for their persistence in securing action,” she said.

Cllr Howard described the proposed reduction as “a positive and sensible step that reflects the long-standing concerns of local road users about what has become an accident blackspot.”

“Improving road safety must always be a priority, and I hope this reduction in speed will help prevent future collisions and make the road safer for everyone who lives in, works in, or travels through the area,” she said.

Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney also welcomed the proposal, praising the efforts of those who campaigned for change at Darragh.

“I want to acknowledge the local campaigners in Darragh who have fought long and hard for action to be taken on this dangerous stretch of road,” he said.

“Their persistence and determination in highlighting the need for improved road safety deserves great credit.”

Mr Cooney described the section of the N68 as an “accident blackspot” and said reducing the speed limit was an important step, but should form part of wider road safety measures.

“Reducing the speed limit is an important step that can help make this road safer, although it must form part of a wider package of measures, including improved signage, road markings and any further engineering works required,” he said.

The Darragh proposal is one of a number of speed limit changes included in Clare County Council’s draft bye-laws.

Across the county, the council is proposing the introduction of 30km/h speed limits in built-up and urban areas, while speed limits would also be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h on sections of the R458 at Ballyline, the R352 at Caherlohan and the R445 between the Radisson Hotel and the Limerick border.

The review forms part of a national road safety programme led by the Department of Transport and follows Phase 1 of the National Speed Limit Review in February 2025, which reduced the default speed limit on local roads from 80km/h to 60km/h.

The draft bye-laws are open for public consultation until August 31, with members of the public invited to make submissions through Clare County Council’s consultation portal, by email or by post.

Following the consultation period, submissions will be considered by elected members before the proposed bye-laws are brought forward for adoption later this year.

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