Action taken following increased levels of 'near misses' at busy Ennis junction

The Ennis Municipal District (MD) has taken action following increased reportings of “near misses” at a busy junction on the main Ennis to Quin Road. 

At a recent meeting of the MD, Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy put forward a Notice of Motion regarding safety improvements at Finnanagh Junction, otherwise known as Frank Lynch’s Cross.

This request follows on from an increase in reports of "near misses" in recent months, according to the Councillor. 

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"I believe that provision of rumble strips, additional advance VMS signage and improved chevron signage can help in making this junction safer for all road users," said Cllr Murphy. 

In a written reply, Patrick Tiernan, A/Senior Engineer, confirmed that the Ennis MD have also received reports of incidents and near misses at this junction. The MD suspect that the increase in vehicular traffic in the area is due to the recent opening of the Banner Plaza at Junction 12 on the M18.

As a result of these reports, action is now being taken.

An assessment of the existing junction has been carried out and there has also been numerous visits by engineering staff to the area in both daytime and night-time conditions.

Mr Tiernan explained: "There are two main issues with the junction – poor alignment and lack of awareness due to darkness/poor reflectivity with motorists not realising they have to stop, especially when approaching the cross from the Doora direction. To resolve the junction alignment issue is a significant challenge and would involve the purchase of lands. A project of this nature would prove very costly and we suspect a more economically viable long-term solution would be to install traffic lights at this junction."

On foot of these site visits, a variety of plans to highlight the presence of the junction have been completed or are planned.

Within the past week alone, increased signage has been erected at the area and reflective bollards have been installed. Illuminated road studs have also been implemented in recent days, with line marking to be refreshed on both local roads later this week also. 

Along with this, the engineer confirmed that replacement signage has been ordered as the reflectivity of the existing signage is poor. A plan has also been put in place for the existing broken down driver feedback sign to be repaired.

"We are hopeful these interventions will be completed before Christmas," said Mr Tiernan.