Ennis To Miltown Roadworks Nearing Completion

News - Local

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 15:31

Written by Barry McNamara

Road improvement works along the R474 Ennis-Miltown Malbay road, described by Clare County Council this week as one of the regional roads most in need of attention, are on schedule to be completed by the weekend.

Approximately €500,000 has been allocated toward road resurfacing, realignment and general improvement works on the road during 2011.  Further improvement works are planned for 2012.

The local authority said road resurfacing will continue in Connolly village and near Frawley’s Cross during the next fortnight. Earlier this year, a stretch of road resurfacing works were completed between The Hand and Miltown Malbay.  In recent weeks, roadworks have led to diversions via Lisroe and Inagh. Local access, however, has been maintained.

Senior Engineer Tom Tiernan acknowledged the serious traffic disruption brought about by the works and thanked residents and motorists travelling on the R474 for their patience.

Commenting on the reason for the carrying out of works on a phased basis, Mr. Tiernan stated: “The works have been more difficult than normal to coordinate as funding was allocated in stages to three electoral areas along the route, namely Ennistymon, Ennis and West Clare.  There also was a requirement to accommodate private contract work, such as the recent work carried out by the Kilmaley-Inagh Group Water Scheme in Connolly village.”

“The R474 is regarded by the Council as one of the regional roads most in need of improvement works. It is a well-travelled route and one that was badly affected by severe weather during the past two years. Road resurfacing work is continuing this week in Connolly village and near Frawley’s cross, and it is anticipated that this work will be completed by the end of the week”, he concluded.