A total of €25,266,904 has been allocated for the maintenance and renewal of the road network in Clare, local TD Joe Carey confirmed today.
Deputy Carey said the funding will cover “routine maintenance to safeguard our infrastructure” and ensure that our roads are resilient against the deteriorating effects of climate change. The funding also contains provisions for walking and cycling infrastructure and safety schemes.
As part of the local allocations, some €4 million has been provided for the Shannon River Cross, which includes the Killaloe Bypass, the Shannon Bridge Crossing and the R494 improvement scheme, which Deputy Carey described as “hugely important for South East Clare in terms of connectivity and adding to the area’s attractiveness for inward investment”.
Some €75,000 has been provided to remove the longstanding traffic bottleneck at Corrovorrin Junction on the Tulla Road.
Two awards of €35,000 have been allocated for safety improvement measures at Clonlara and Broadford National Schools, with the same amount going towards the provision of a pedestrian crossing at the Square in Sixmilebridge.
Some €267,000 has also been allocated to improve the section of the former N18 in Ennis, from Dan McInenery’s to the Parnell Street Junction.
Welcoming the funding, Deputy Carey said: “Maintaining our regional and local road network in Clare is not only important for connectivity, but crucial to ensuring safety on our roads, reducing road collisions and protecting lives.
“Funding for the roll out of a signage programme relating to lower speed limits in housing areas as well as ‘safe passing’ signs for cyclists will also be provided for as part of today’s allocations.
“Routine maintenance works are fundamental to safeguarding our road infrastructure and keeping the network in a good condition.
“All strategic road improvement investment schemes will include provisions for walking and cycling infrastructure to take account of the needs of all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
“I commend my colleagues Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton for this critically important investment. I know it will make a huge difference to our road network in Clare.”
