Calls for slowdown signs on busy West Clare road as council rules out traffic calming - Clare Echo

CALLS have been made for slowdown and safety signs on the Kerry Road between Cree and Cooraclare after residents raised concerns about speeding traffic and children using the road.

*Section of the road between Cooraclare and Cree, Inset: Cllr Dinny Gould

The issue was raised at the September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District following a Notice of Motion from Leas-Chataoirleach for the MD Cllr Dinny Gould (IND).

Cllr Gould called on Clare County Council to erect slowdown and safety signage on the Kerry Road after residents reported cars travelling at high speeds through residential areas.

He said there had been a couple of near misses during the summer involving speeding cars and children walking and cycling on the road.

In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Alan Kennelly said he understood Cllr Gould to be referring to the R483 between Cooraclare and Cree, particularly the section between its junctions with the L-6110 and L-6112.

Mr Kennelly said there were a number of residential properties located along both the L-6110 and L-6112.

He said the default speed limit on the R483 was 80km/h and that it was “unlikely that this will change in the foreseeable future”.

“The installation of traffic calming measures on this section of regional road is not considered appropriate,” Mr Kennelly said.

He said the R483 was a “regionally important transport corridor” and that unnecessary speed restrictions and delays should be avoided to maintain the road’s traffic function.

Mr Kennelly said the control and enforcement of vehicle speeds was ultimately a matter for An Garda Síochána.

“Clare County Council has no statutory role in the enforcement of speeding offences,” he said.

He said concerns about excessive speeds should be referred to An Garda Síochána for consideration and enforcement action where appropriate.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Gould said mothers and residents living along the road had contacted him seeking signs asking motorists to slow down.

He said the road had traditionally been a quiet stretch but had become more built up as new houses were constructed.

Cllr Gould said children were regularly using the road on their bikes and described cars as “flying back there”.

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