I have notice from Senator Neville that he wishes to raise a matter of concern under Standing Order 29A.
Adjournment Matters. - Matters of Concern to Members.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach
I thank you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, for allowing this subject to be discussed. The area to which I refer is Clarina village in County Limerick. Limerick County Council has been supportive and has agreed to have some of the improvements required in this village completed. However, financial constraints have prevented it from providing footpaths throughout the village and from clearing and hardening road margins. I ask the Minister for the Environment to produce the necessary funding.
The population of Clarina and its environs has increased dramatically in the past ten years. It now has a population of approximately 2,000, including 249 primary and 210 secondary school going children who use the N69 which passes through the village. The area is quite dangerous and there is much concern about the safety of the citizens of the village.
The N69 is the estuarial road serving the area which also services a large number of industries, including Aughinish Alumina Limited, Wyeth (Ireland) Limited, Foynes harbour and the harbour industries. New footpaths are required throughout the village for safety and the clearing and hardening of road margins is necessary to facilitate this. Improved public lighting and sign-posting and an extension of the speed limit is required.
The village is six miles from Limerick city and is no longer a small stretch of road inside the area of the restricted speed limit, but encompasses areas outside it. The large population, which is increasingly serviced by activities in the village, requires more safety arrangements, with the necessary investment from the Department of the Environment.
The Seanad adjourned at 8.45 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 23 March 1995.