Locals angry over removal of tourism landmark

THE NATIONAL Roads Authority has caused controversy by removing a remarkable tourism landmark used by Tourism Ireland in marketing Ireland around the world.

Locals in the Burren village of Ballyvaughan, along with Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway, yesterday called on the roads authority to restore multiple signs it has removed from a signpost at the main junction in the village.

The authority said it has removed signs from the Co Clare village to comply with national policy on signage on national routes.

The remarkable signpost, which carries a cluster of different signs pointing towards Aillwee Caves, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore, Monk’s pub and the Ballyvaughan Tea Rooms, has been used by Tourism Ireland showing the extraordinary number of interesting sites and activities in this small region.

The catchline on the image of the busy signpost reads “and this is what our Irish friends planned for us before lunch”.

The post also features in adverts used by banking giant HSBC and various postcards.

Mr Conway said “the NRA attitude is: ‘Remove the signs and deal with the consequences afterwards’. It is not a good way of doing business. The NRA has acted in a cavalier manner by removing the signs and has scant regard for tourists.”

One of the signs removed was put there by the Ballyvaughan Tea Rooms 29 years ago, and yesterday Alan Clarke, who runs the tea rooms with 16 employees, said: “The NRA removed the business’s sign from the signpost without first informing us. We haven’t even been given it back.

“People used to stop and photograph the sign, but not any more. It is very frustrating. The NRA has tarred the road between Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna and is now directing all the traffic that way. All signs bar one are pointing left, even though going right at the junction will take you on one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Ireland, overlooking Galway Bay.

“We have a strong local trade, but the removal of the sign has definitely had a negative impact.”

Chairman of Ballyvaughan Development Group Patrick O’Donoghue said: “The sign is an iconic feature in the Burren and the NRA has left people very annoyed in the area.” They met the roads authority “but there is no budging by them over this”.

Spokesman for the roads authority Seán O’Neill said last night it “is implementing national legislation”, pointing out that this has been done across the country.

“The purpose of signing on the road network is to promote safety and efficiency by providing for the orderly movement of traffic.

“Roadside signage is used to provide information on regulations, warnings and directional guidance to the road user. It should not contain any form of advertising or messages that do not relate to traffic management and control,” Mr O’Neill said.