Council rejects calls for emergency detour routes in event of accidents on Clare roads

A road closure at peak rush hour to clear an overturned truck along the N68 last month has come under scrutiny at the December meeting of Clare County Council.

Independent councillor Ian Lynch has called on the council "to develop a suite of pre-established traffic management plans for strategic routes across the county to be made available to emergency services and relevant private companies as required."

He explained that "the purpose of these plans is to ensure that, in the event of an unexpected emergency road closure, there are clear, safe and pre-approved diversion routes and procedures ready for immediate implementation."

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"This proactive approach will help minimise disruption to local communities, super effective emergency response and maintain public safety during unplanned incidents.

Where non-critical vehicle recovery is taking place, no approval should be given unless outside of peak traffic hours and confirmation the approved traffic management plan is in place and adequately resourced." 

The motion arises from an incident which took place on Monday November 10, at approximately 10 am when a delivery truck crashed into a ditch along the N68, about four kilometres from Lissycasey.

The Tesco lorry, which was travelling towards Ennis, ploughed down an embankment and came to a stop on it's side in the ditch.

Despite the trucks position not impeding traffic flow, An Garda Siochana approved a full road closure from 3pm until 4pm to facilitate a private company removing the lorry from the ditch.

However it was not until after 9 pm the truck was removed and 10pm before the road fully re-opened.

Cllr Lynch stated how “people were waiting over two hours” because traffic became gridlocked when the road was closed at rush hour to move the truck.

Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Shannon supported the motion saying the council needs "common sense and a plan" in the event of collisions along the N68 where traffic is "creaking at the best of times."

Carmel Kirby, Director of Service, said that although they will liaise with An Garda Síochána regarding the motion, re-routing people off national roads can be dangerous, describing the issue as "more of a local matter.”

In a written reply, Cyril Feeney, Senior Engineer, stated that as there are approximately 935 kilometres of roads across Clare's national primary, secondary, and regional network, "it would be a significant undertaking to try and develop a full suite of diversion routes across such a vast road network."

He explained that while designating specific routes may not be feasible as "each unplanned event will require it's own potentially unique diversion route depending on the circumstances", there is a "well established" principles and guidance across a ranges of Road Traffic publications.

Mr Feeney said that "emergency road closures are usually incited by An Garda Siochana to prevent further injury or collisions and allow access to emergency services."

Highlighting An Garda Siochana are "very familiar" with road networks across the county and "can be best placed to instigate diversion routes at short notice to alleviate traffic build up."

He explained that the council liaises with An Garda Siochana "to determine the most appropriate timelines for vehicle recovery with consideration given to the additional health and safety challenges which night time works may present", citing that "time is of the essence" to re-open the roads.

Mr Feeney also expressed the concern that "it's not always possible to have vehicle owners and recovery companies provide the traffic management resources required to fully signpost any proposed diversion routes at short notice."

He acknowledged that he understands the "frustrations experienced when diversion routes are put in place", but noted that they are "necessary at time to ensure the safety of the motoring public and attending emergency services."