Council ramps up support for Ennis kayaking club

WHILE students might not usually want to get in deep water with their teachers, one Ennis school is turning the tide when it comes to learning new skills.

Scoil Chríost Rí’s ‘Kayak le Chéile’ club has been making waves with students since it was launched in 2020. Now efforts are being made to improve the experience even more with plans in place to install a ramp to allow greater access to the river for the club.

A recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard that discussions are underway with stakeholders about the design of the ramp. The need for the ramp to be installed was raised by Councillor Mark Nestor who described the establishment of the county’s first school kayaking club as a “great achievement”.

He acknowledged teacher Joe Garry for his efforts with the club which has gone from strength to strength. He said that a ramp would be “the final piece” in the development of the kayaking club.

Barry Conway, senior executive engineer, informed the meeting that the “Ennis Municipal District have carried out a survey at this site and completed a draft design of a ramp to allow easier access to the river Fergus from Cloughleigh NS. We are currently in discussions with relevant stakeholders in relation to the design of the ramp. Once agreement has been reached tenders will be sought and we will proceed with construction, subject to funding being made available.”

Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Ann Norton backed the motion stating, “It’s great to see a different type of sport for school children.”

She remarked that the geography of Ennis means that the town is an island and is surrounded by water with the kayaking club offering “a fantastic opportunity to use what we have and for children to try something different. This is very positive. We all know that mental health is hugely important and getting out into the fresh air and doing something physical.”

She continued, “Being out on the water is a fantastic opportunity for these young people and it might be something they wouldn’t usually have the opportunity of doing.”

Councillor Mary Howard commented, “It’s great to see what is happening and for the town and the school to have such an amazing amenity.” She recalled how a survey carried out had shown the need for Ennis to “embrace the river”.

“The club has been a huge success, it’s great for the children, it’s a great community initiative.”

Councillor Johnny Flynn also welcomed the plans to improve access, recalling previous proposals to link with Ennis Community College via a bridge.

Councillor Pat Daly said, “what Joe Garry has brought in for the school is fantastic.”