An investigation’s underway into the source of the oil spillage on the N 18 which caused traffic chaos for thousands of motorists on Friday and Saturday
It’s reported the final clean up bill for the spill which resulted in the closure of a section of the Limerick to Ennis road could run into tens of thousands of euro
On Monday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined in studio by Trudy Waters, Deputy News Editor, who explained the specifics of what occurred on Friday afternoon on the N18.
John also spoke with Paul Murphy in Clarecastle – Paul’s wife Siobhan was caught up the traffic delays on Friday
It took her 4 hours to get home
PJ Ryan in Sixmilebridge also found himself caught in the traffic choas and listener Eugene Drennan spoke about the 8 hour delay hauliers had to endure.
Clare Communities were stripped of their local Garda station last Thursday and expressed anger and disappointment over the decision and with fears for future local policing
Stations in Broadford, Kilmihil, Inagh, Lahinch, Mountshannon, Quin, Doonbeg and Labasheeda are among 95 nationwide shutting down, while the Districts of Ennistymon and Killaloe will be merged with Kilrush and Ennis
Government representatives insist it will provide for a more effective policing service, while senior Garda officials here have moved to reassure the affected communities that they will have a policing presence
John was joined in studio by Fine Gael Deputy Joe Carey and Fianna Fail Deputy Timmy Dooley to discuss the closures.
Garda Niamh Browne of Ennis Garda Station appealed for the public’s assistance with information on crimes committed over the past seven days
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 0655 68 48 100.
Tom Tiernan, Senior Engineer with Clare County Council, explained that several units of the fire brigade and Clare County Council initially tried to clean the greasy surface using chemicals but without success and Gardaí were forced to close a 10 km stretch of the road from Cratloe to Sixmilebridge
This resulted in huge tailbacks – with traffic backed up as far as the Two Mile Inn on the Ennis Road and to the Limerick Tunnel on the N 18- resulting in its eventual closure
After laying down the chemicals on the spillage – believed to be hydraulic fluid from a bus- the council then had to spread grit but by midnight on Friday only one lane had reopened
The clean up then continued on Saturday and the road reopened after lunchtime – It’s estimated the final bill could be tens of thousands of euro and an investigation to identify the source of the spillage is taking place.
Marie in Ennis was stuck in the traffic jam on Friday- she spoke to John about her experience with delays on the N18.
John Murphy of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer your bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
