Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Tom Harrington and I reside on the L7103 approximately 700 metres from access to location of the proposed new burial site. Please find my submission below in relation to the proposed development of new burial ground, carparking and access road. Please note I do not have a concern with proximity of new burial ground and I understand the need for a new burial ground in Claregalway but rather the supporting infrastructure for commuting, safe access and parking at burial ground and how this fits in broader Claregalway development plans.

Road Safety

Funeral traffic to the burial ground and other traffic anticipated, to the access road to the burial ground will predominantly be coming from the Claregalway village area. Traffic will back up significantly on the N83 as the hard shoulder coming from Claregalway village leading to junction at L7103 is severely narrowed and is used frequently by pedestrian walkers and cyclists. This dramatically increases an already existing road safety hazard at this junction whereby through traffic travelling on toward Galway city coming from Claregalway village will overtake the funeral procession at the junction of the intersection of the N83 and L7103 which is a 100Km speed limit section of road. They will be overtaking on a full white line, into the right hand lane, on the other side, and into the white hatched road markings (diagonal lines) box at the end of the opposite right hand lane.
There is a significant potential for traffic to be stalled on N83 trying to access L7103 due to the limited parking at the site of burial ground (15 designated spaces) thereby increasing through traffic driver frustration and risk taking by overtake funeral procession.
Executing a right turn from L7103 onto the N83 is challenging with current traffic volumes in a 100Km section of N83. When you add the hazard now created by a funeral procession accessing L7103 this junction is not fit for purpose and proceeding with this development as outlined increases the risk of serious or fatal traffic events.

Traffic Management

Only 15 designated parking spaces allowed for in proposed development meaning all other vehicles are expected to find parking on a narrow private road which is not at all suitable at any time of the year but particularly in winter when there is significant flood and soft verges on this road. Consequence of this will be to severely slow progress of traffic off the N83 and creating road safety hazards and disruption to existing residents and businesses on the road.
It will be difficult for attendees at a funeral to safely park and access burial site due to congestion and lack of safe parking facilities.
As location does not in reality facilitate pedestrian or public transport access from church in Claregalway the Toibin report is lacking in its assessment of impact in this respect.

Burial Ground selection Criteria

What were the criteria used by the council in identifying a suitable location for a new burial ground for the parish of Claregalway. Section 15.10 Community Development and Social Infrastructure DM standard 58: Burial Grounds and Crematoriums - “Proposals will be required to demonstrate a need for the development and that the proposal will not (i) cause unacceptable traffic congestions, (ii) create car parking difficulties, (iii) cause a nuisance or detract from the amenities of existing residents or businesses.” It seems proposal in current format will fail on a of these criteria due inadequate provision of car parking and access roue chosen.
Location of the burial ground is adjacent to and accesses L7103 on the 100km speed limit section of the N83. Why have you not chosen to locate new burial ground within the reduced speed limit areas of Claregalway village where you have reduced safety risk and could facilitate safe pedestrian access along footpaths on the N83 or the R381 and thus eliminate necessity of everyone travelling by car to attend funeral or visit burial ground.
Is there a broader development plan within which proposal to locate this new burial ground makes more common sense? It would be good to have transparency on this and for the council to make the necessary changes to proposal in this context.

Yours Sincerely,

Tom Harrington

Part 8 LA 08/22 Graveyard - Cregboy, Claregalway, Co. Galway / An Chreig Bhuí, Baile Chláir, Co. na Gaillimhe - Submissions

Primary tabs