Council urged to weed out roundabout problem

EFFORTS being made by a group of volunteers to maintain the Ballymaley roundabout are in the weeds, with the local authority been urged to step in and help.

Mayor of Ennis Councillor Ann Norton urged at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District that the council look after the maintenance and grass cutting at the roundabout following representations from a number of people.

Tommy Scott, Senior Executive Technician, responded, “The top of the roundabout is maintained as a Biodiversity meadow. The crop will now be cut and removed. Grass cutting has finished for the season and will recommence in April.

“The grass cutting on the Ballymaley roundabout is carried out in a similar manner to the roundabouts on the N85 where the grass is permitted to grow and become a wild flower meadow in line with good biodiversity practices. This is part of the Tidy Town’s biodiversity programme.”

Councillor Norton thanked Mr Scott for the response, stating that she appreciates the efforts being made to promote biodiversity.

However, she continued, “There is a lot of growth coming out of the bricks around the edges of the roundabout. Barefield Tidy Towns are trying to maintain but they find it’s quite dangerous.

“Maybe the gardening section might have a better opportunity and they will be safer as they would have devices such as cones and would be able to block off the roundabout.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy. Deputy Mayor, Councillor Paul Murphy added his support saying he has seen weeds coming through the bricks while cycling at the roundabout.