‘Embarrassing piece of infrastructure’: Urgent calls for upgrade works on busy Clare road

PEOPLE living along one of the busiest roads in Clare can't get out of their homes and driveways at certain times, due to the amount of traffic, it has been claimed.

The comments were made as the lack of progress in upgrading sections of the N85 were raised at the October meeting of Clare County Council. 

Fianna Fáil Cllr Shane Talty, who put forward a motion on the issue, described the Ennis–Inagh road as “an embarrassing piece of infrastructure” which needs to be addresses as a priority.

His motion proposed that “Clare County Council request Transport Infrastructure Ireland to ensure the N85 realignment project be recommenced, with development funding allocated in the 2026 roads budget.”

Cllr Talty told the meeting that despite councillors being told the project would commence in December 2019, "no meaningful work has been done" in recent years.

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He requested much need-funding be allocated in the 2026 roads budget to facilitate the works and for comment on the delay to the much-needed improvement works.

The motion was unanimously supported by all who spoke with Cllr Pat Daly commenting that the project "got substantial funding previously."

It was further noted that with "buses running to the Cliffs of Moher" and the "Irish Open coming to Doonbeg" next year, improved infrastructure will be essential. Lahinch hosting the Walker Cup next summer was also cited as a reason for the works to be progressed.

Fianna Fáil councillor Tom O'Callaghan supported the motion commenting: "I know of couples who cannot get out of their houses at certain times of the day due to the influx of traffic on the road".

He remarked that the council "needs to be more ambitious about our plans - we have two big golf events coming to Ireland in the next two years [the Irish Open in 2026 and the Ryder Cup in Adare, Limerick in 2027]."

On the Irish Open being held in Doonbeg in September 2026, Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Shannon proposed a separate motion for the improvement of "physical infrastructure, improvements to roads, footpaths, lighting, signage and all other ancillaries to ensure Clare's unique, beautiful image is portrayed."

He added that the N85 is one of the main arteries in Clare for tourists and people travelling to and from work.

In written correspondence, which was circulated to councillors, Cyril Feeney Senior Engineer for Physical Development, stated that council officials will be engaging with the organisers of both the Irish Open and the Walker Cup, local stakeholders and government departments in the coming months to ensure the appropriate targeted infrastructure investments are made to deliver these world class events.

"The funding investment required was also highlighted by the Members with TII officials in our meeting with them held in May of this year. The events will also provide an opportunity to show case county Clare and its many extraordinary cultural assets and amenities to a world audience through television and social media networks," he wrote.

Cllr Rita McInerney stated that she wants to support Cllr Talty's motion but noted "we need to be strategic" in planning and prioritising the N85 road improvements.