Council criticised for 'seriously poor road' where upgrades were promised over 40 years ago

Renewed calls have been made for upgrade works along a busy commuter route in Clare amid claims that the council committed to carrying out the works in 1985.

The 40 year inaction was highlighted by Fine Gael councillor Gabriel Keating at the December meeting of Clare County Council.

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Cllr Keating called on the council to "request that Minister for Local Government, James Browne T.D, to access the main road from Ennis to Kilrush N68, the gateway to West Clare."

He wants this review done "with a view of allocating substantial funding for the upgrade of this seriously poor road", with a particular focus on the end of Darragh/Caherea to Lissycasey, and from Lissycasey to Kilrush town.

Cllr Keating highlighted that key upgrades to this road were promised by Clare County Council when Moneypoint was built in West Clare in 1985, and these works to date have "never happened".

Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Shannon seconded the motion, highlighting the importance of the N68 to the county. He said it is “long, long overdue” that a motorway, dual carriageway, or another safer system be put in place to bring people from Ennis to Kilkee and vice versa.

He noted that if there is an "industrial base" in Kilrush, motorists have to be able to safely enter and exit the road networks and that the council must "look at putting the investment" to enhance the N68 calling it a "critical part of the infrastructure of the county."

Cyril Feeney, Senior Engineer, said that "the road network continues to be a challenge" and that "central government funding" is a key issue when it comes to road upgrades.

He confirmed that the council is "going to take a far more targeted approach" and that they must "utilise and improve what we have."

Noting the new approach is going to be "more geared towards [improved] public transport and active transport [such as cycling]" and that the "era of building brand new roads has passed" so improvements and upgrades will be made the the current road network that Clare has.