Major safety upgrades sought near popular school and childcare centre in Clare village

Concerns over speeding and road safety near a busy school and childcare centre in Mountshannon have prompted local councillors to call for urgent traffic upgrades.

At the November meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Fine Gael councillor Pat Burke called for additional traffic calming measures throughout the village.

Cllr Burke is seeking the installation of a Radar LED Speed limit Sign at the village entry  point on the Scarriff side and a raised platform at or speed bumps approaching Iniscealtra  National School, Mountshannon Childcare Centre and St Caimins Church.

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He requested these new safety measures in addition to the controlled pedestrian crossing already operating in the village by the Mountshannon Community Council.

In a written response, Mike O'Grady, A/Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed that the Killaloe MD carried out a traffic survey on the R352 at St Caimin's Church between October 17 and 24.

The survey "identified traffic volumes of 2,907 vehicles per day with the V85 percentile of 60 kilometres per hour, when the road's speed limit is 50 km/h.

Mr O'Grady confirmed that the MD will commit to installing a driver feedback sign in advance of the National School to  increase driver awareness of their speed. 

He also stated that the MD will review the proposal for a raised table and/or speed ramp on site, as a review of the site will be required to review the road width, surface water drainage network, street lighting locations, access to properties and parking arrangements at the church. 

Mr O’Grady also confirmed following the necessary reviews, the engineering team will meet with local stakeholders and Cllr Burke “to discuss the provision of a raised table/speed ramp”, he also noted that a Section 38 and funding will need to be acquired for the proposed traffic calming measures.