Ennis

WORK is set to begin on completing an unfinished footpath near the old quarry at Ballybeg later this year, the local authority have confirmed. This is one of a number of improvement works set to take place in the Ballybeg area a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard. Deputy Mayor of Ennis Councillor Paul Murphy told the meeting that finishing the footpath needs to be “prioritised” along with raising other matters relating to Ballybeg. The councillor requested that the path be included in this year’s works programme “and that that any drainage issues impacting on residential dwellings are dealt with. Barry Conway, A/Senior Executive Engineer, informed him that funding has been provided for this section of footpath in the 2022 Active Travel allocation. Work is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2022 he said. The Clarecastle-based councillor also asked that lighting is provided “as soon as possible as the ducting is already in place along most …

MEMBERS of Ennis Community College’s Board of Management have assured works on a new €10.2 million extension are not yet finished amid criticism of the building as “industrial” looking. BOM chair Councillor Ann Norton has pointed out that the building is not complete with a lot of planned greenery around the extension yet to be put in place. She was speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District where Councillor Johnny Flynn called for the building’s architect to be called in to explain the rationale behind the design. According to Councillor Flynn members of the public have been “shocked” by the look of the extension in the historic part of the town and he questioned whether the students can look out of the building. He said it would be “helpful” if the architect could explain the look of the building saying, “some people have said it looks a bit industrial. I understand that the inside is beautiful but could …

WITH workers heading back to the office and schools fully open the Mayor of Ennis is urging people to think green and get involved with the ‘Conscious Cup Campaign’. There are six businesses in the Ennis area taking part in the initiative which encourages people to bring their own cups to cafes. Councillor Ann Norton, speaking at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, particularly encouraged schools to get behind the scheme and help “do our bit for the environment” as well as people going back into the workplace as Covid restrictions lift. “I am encouraging people to be conscious of the environment and be aware when they are drinking not to be using a number of different cups.” She added that schools can do their bit by highlighting the effect of single use cups that aren’t recycled on the environment. She stated that a lot of work was carried out in promoting the scheme pre-Covid adding “it would …

RESIDENTS living in the Cloughleigh area of Ennis are calling for action to address an increasing amount of traffic and speeding in the locality. Their concerns were highlighted at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District where Councillor Mark Nestor sought the replacement of an existing speed ramp and for the erection of additional ‘slow down’ and ‘children at play’ road signage at Gordon Drive. The councillor outlined that a number of residents have made representations highlighting their worries about the amount of cars speeding on the road. He also pointed out that the popular astro-turf facility on the road is resulting in even more traffic coming into the area. Barry Conway, A/Senior Executive Engineer, told the meeting the Ennis Municipal District will carry out a road safety assessment in Gordan Drive giving consideration to all signage, speed ramps and line marking. “Any necessary repairs will be included in this years SMDW,” he added. Councillor Nestor welcomed the response …

LOCALS and visitors to Ennis and Clarecastle can enjoy walking and cycling on a new riverside route thanks to the collaborative approach taken by Clare County Council and community groups. Last week Community Development Minister Heather Humphreys officially opened the River Fergus Walk and Cycleway, which came about after it was necessary to build an access road for a flood relief scheme. This new route runs from the R469 Quin Road in Ennis to the N85 Roundabout at Clareabbey along an area of significant recreational and visual amenity value. The paved walkway along the river is approximately 1.5km and provides a link between the two roads, resulting in a looped walk of 5.5km. The area is rich in heritage and biodiversity and the project is expected to generate significant tourism and educational benefits. Minister Humphreys also met representatives of Clarecastle Tidy Towns where she reviewed the streetscape enhancements that was funded by the Town and Villages Renewal funding from the …

ENNIS’ first ever Friendship Seating area has been launched by the Ennis Mental Association (EMHA) in co-operation with the Ennis Municipal District. Ennis Mental Association (EMHA) is a community-based volunteer-led organisation that, for the past 30 years plus, has consistently focused attention on mental health issues and promoted wellness and well-being in the wider community. Located by the Fergus in the Abbey Street Car park, the Friendship Seating area is designed to provide an attractive and inviting space where people can sit and be open to engaging in conversation with whoever joins them. The area has been specifically designed to provide everyone, including those of limited mobility, with a convenient and comfortable place to meet, to rest and to connect with others. Maria Molloy, Chair of Ennis Mental Health Association, speaking at the official launch last Thursday, welcomed people to the new Friendship Seating Area saying she hoped it would become a hub of conversation and friendship and even become …

SADNESS has been expressed in Ennis with the news that the popular Coote’s bakery will be closing on Saturday after decades in business. According to the Coote family the “hard decision” was made to shut the bakery due to “forever rising costs” which have made it no longer sustainable to continue. However they have assured that Coote’s shop on the Kilrush Road will remain in business. A post on social media on behalf of the family, accompanied by a photograph of the bakery’s ovens, stated this week, “For the bones of 70 years, these oil ran ovens have produced millions of Coote’s pans, thousands of apple tarts and hundreds of other products. “Over those years generations of the Coote family have worked tirelessly day and night along with a great team of long term bakers to serve the people of Clare and beyond. “Unfortunately due to the forever rising costs across this industry it is no longer sustainable so we …

ENNIS councillors have voted overwhelmingly against a proposal to examine the potential of installing wrought iron railings around the O’Connell Monument. The idea was put forward by Councillor Johnny Flynn who pointed to the historic location being “used as a public toilet” along with “very disturbing” amounts of rubbish and passersby being “jeered and leered at” by people congregating in the area. The proposal was made at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District where his fellow councillors rejected the idea voting six against with Councillor Flynn’s the only vote in favour. Making the case for a public consultation process to begin Councillor Flynn stated that the area known locally as the Height had historically been surrounded with wrought iron railings. He said that re-installing suitable railings would complement and enhance improvement works for the Square and Bank Place and the conservation works currently underway on the monument. It would also complement proposals incorporated into the current Part 8 …