Clare County Council Highlights the Need for Improved Road Infrastructure
Clare County Council has emphasized the critical importance of road infrastructure, particularly in the western part of the county. During a recent meeting, councillors discussed the necessity of upgrading key roads to support economic growth and improve connectivity.
At the July meeting, Fianna Fáil councillor Rita McInerney proposed a motion recognizing the strategic significance of the N68 road, which links Ennis and Kilrush. The motion called for the N68 to be designated as a strategic route due to its vital role in regional connectivity, economic development, and the potential transformation of the Moneypoint site. The council was urged to prioritize the N68 in all future infrastructure planning, funding applications, and transport assessments.
Cllr McInerney stressed that the N68 must be treated as a top infrastructure priority. She pointed out that the current condition of the road is inadequate for the volume of traffic it handles. Improving the N68 would help reduce congestion on other roads and ease bottlenecks. Additionally, she highlighted that better road conditions would ensure that West Clare communities are within the “golden hour” for accessing emergency medical services. This term refers to the critical first 60 minutes after a traumatic injury, during which prompt medical intervention can significantly affect a patient’s chances of survival and recovery.
The lack of suitable roads, according to Cllr McInerney, is hindering the area’s ability to secure planning permissions, thereby limiting the growth of rural communities in Clare. Fellow Fianna Fáil councillor Shane Talty supported the motion, noting that the N85 is another underappreciated road in the county. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure to support local development.
Cllr Michael Shannon also backed the motion, stating that Kilrush has the potential to become a major economic hub. He argued that secure transport links are essential for the area’s growth and that the current state of the N68 is unsuitable for this purpose. He suggested exploring a French-style dual-carriageway for West Clare, given the level of investment in the region. “We need it for West Clare and we need it for the whole county,” he said.
Fianna Fáil councillor Tom O’Callaghan acknowledged that road infrastructure is a key focus for the council. However, he raised concerns about the limitations of the current road budget. He questioned whether the council should consider a broader approach to securing additional funding for road improvements. His comments sparked discussions on the need for more substantial investment in infrastructure.
Fine Gael councillor Gabriel Keating, along with his colleague Joe Garrihy, and Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Killeen, also expressed their support for the motion. Their backing highlights a growing consensus among councillors about the importance of prioritizing road upgrades.
Cllr McInerney thanked her colleagues for their support and committed to continuing efforts to secure additional funding for the N68 and other critical roads. She emphasized that improving the road network is essential for the long-term development of West Clare and the entire county.
As the council moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that infrastructure projects align with the needs of local communities and support sustainable growth. The ongoing dialogue about road improvements reflects a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Clare’s western regions.
