Council rejects calls for new traffic calming measures in Clare housing estates

Traffic calming measures have been requested for several housing estates in Ennis, amid concerns over driver behaviour.

The calls for action were made at the October meeting of Ennis Municipal District with councillors specifically mentioning McNamara Park, Gort Leamhan, and Brauch An Mhuilinn.

However, in reply to the request, a council official insisted traffic calming measures are not required: "Ennis MD have not found any significant evidence that suggests the level of speeding within housing  estates meets the threshold that warrants traffic calming measures," stated Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Engineer.

Ahead of the meeting, Fianna Fail councillor Pat Daly had called for the installation of traffic calming measures at McNamara Park "mainly due to the serious speed of cars that's being experienced in the particular area."

Sinn Fein councillor Tommy Guilfoyle also prior to the meeting requested a detailed update on speed ramps for Gordon Drive.

Fine Gael councillor Mary Howard proposed a similar motion, stating: "I wish to request traffic calming measures at Gort Leamhan and Brauch An Mhuilinn."

In response to all traffic calming requests, Mr Tiernan replied: "Over the past 12 – 18 months Ennis MD has received a large volume of requests both from the public  and from Elected Members in relation to traffic calming measures within housing estates. In general the most appropriate funding mechanism for such measures is via the Department of Transports Safety  Improvement Works Scheme."

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He explained that the scheme also supports other road safety measures including the junction tightening, minor footpath projects and works in areas where there is a record of a high  number of collisions.

In 2025, the scheme funded two projects in Ennis, at the Lissane Junction in  Clarecastle and at the Ruan Road junction in Barefield.

Mr Tiernan outlined the guidance to determine where additional traffic calming is warranted is based on the analysis of speed surveys, saying: "Based on recent surveys undertaken by  Ennis MD we have not found any significant evidence that suggests the level of speeding within housing  estates meets the threshold that warrants traffic calming measures," he stated.

"As members are aware the speed  limit in urban areas is currently set as 50km/h. If this is reduced to 30km/h, as recommended under  the Government’s ‘Vision Zero’ initiative, then the requirement for traffic calming measures may need  to be reviewed again." he added.

Mr Tiernan informed councillors that Ennis MD is currently preparing an application to the Department of Transport under the Safety Improvement Works Scheme.

"Due  to the finite financial resources available Ennis MD will have to review and prioritise our current list of  potential projects. Whilst our current list includes traffic calming measures within housing estates it  also includes other projects such as junction improvement works and other road safety measures.

"At this juncture we are unable to commit to including this request for traffic calming, within our  submission for 2026. However, where speed surveys prove the justification of such measures we will  continue to explore all other available funding options." he stated.