Green light for Active Travel Scheme in Clare town

An Active Travel scheme in Ennis has received the backing of the Elected Members of Ennis Municipal District (MD) and will now proceed to detailed design, procurement, and construction stage.

A plan for an Ennis Town bus service has also been recently finalised by Clare County Council (CCC).

The €1.8m funding secured for the Active Travel scheme forms part of an allocation of €4.5 million received by CCC from the National Transport Authority (NTA) in February 2023. The funding will allow for the progression of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure across Clare.

The scheme proposes to upgrade the existing cycling infrastructure along a 2km section of the R352 Tulla road between St. Senan’s Road and Hillcrest junction through the provision of traffic calming measures, including vertically segregated cycle tracks, shared surfaces, and raised cyclist and pedestrian crossings.

Cllr Pat Daly, Mayor of Ennis, said: “The Tulla Road area of Ennis has experienced a significant population rise during the past 10 to 15 years which has consequently resulted in increased traffic congestion, particularly during peak periods. Developing and further improving the cycle network and introducing other traffic calming measures is key to ensuring improved road safety and to encouraging people to consider cycling to work or school."

Carmel Kirby, Director of Economic Development with CCC, stated: “The purpose of this scheme is to improve safety and continuity for cyclists and the response from the public throughout the public consultation process has been very positive. Getting more people to consider walking or cycling instead of the car is a key pillar of the Active Travel Programme.”

Green light For €11.5 million for Ennis regeneration

Ms. Kirby noted that the Local Authority also is making significant progress in relation to the delivery of a public bus service for the town.

She explained: “The NTA and Clare County Council have recently finalised the preferred routes for the Ennis Town Bus Service, which will traverse Ennis from the Lahinch Road to the Tulla Road and from Clarecastle to Ballymaley via a town centre terminus at Friar’s Walk, with scope for the development of an additional route from Doora Industrial Estate to and from the town centre. The Ennis Town Bus Service is scheduled for commencement during the first quarter of 2025."

For more information visit the Roads & Transport section of the Clare County Council website at clarecoco.ie.