Speeding near playing children sparks push for safety overhaul in Clare housing estate

Concerns have been raised over safety in a Clare housing estate where locals say children are increasingly at risk.

At the November meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Independent councillor Dinny Gould highlighted ongoing issues with cars speeding through the Seaview Park estate in Quilty, where children regularly play.

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In his motion he stated that "with the additional social housing in Seaview park, there’s an increased number of cars in the vicinity and a lot of speeding in areas where children are playing!"

He called on the MD to conduct "a review of road safety and speed measures" in the well-known Quilty estate.

Cllr Gould warned that “if something isn’t done there will be a serious accident,” also requesting a review of the exit from Seaview Park onto the main road, where visibility is very poor, particularly when cars or vans are parked near the junction.

He added that the new pedestrian crossing is also at risk due to the limited sightlines for exiting traffic.

Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Shannon supported the motion, saying it is a "huge concern locally", adding his request that the pedestrian crossing be repainted, with another councillor calling for the pedestrian crossing to be moved as they deem it "dangerous where it is."

Cllr Shannon explained that speeding is a general issue in the village due to the road’s downward slope and that traffic calming measures are needed, especially given the ongoing increase in housing in the area.

In a written reply, Alan Kennelly, Senior Executive Engineer, said that local authorities will soon begin reviewing speed limits in built-up areas, including housing estates, with many 50 km/h zones expected to be reduced to 30 km/h by mid-2027.

He noted that public consultations will take place before any changes are made and that the review stems from the 2023 national speed limit review, which has already lowered the default limit on National Secondary roads from 100 km/h to 80 km/h.

Mr Kennelly said it may be “premature” to change speed measures in Seaview Park ahead of the wider speed-limit reductions, adding that lowering the limit “remains the ultimate traffic-calming measure.”

He also stressed that enforcing speeding is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

On visibility concerns, he explained that required sight distance is available in one direction, but sightlines towards Quilty village may be blocked by residents parking along the N67.

While reducing parking spaces through measures like a build-out could improve visibility, he warned it “might lead to additional issues.”