VANDALS who caused damage to a war memorial in Ennis last month have been described as “cowards” by a local councillor as it is confirmed this week that action is being taken to deal with litter in the area.
Last month the Clare Champion reported that one of four stone benches installed at Clare’s World War 1 memorial in the Clare Peace Park near glór had a piece broken off while rubbish had also been left strewn about.
The importance of respecting the memorial as a place to remember the people of Clare who lost their lives in the war was emphasised by Councillor Mary Howard at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.
The councillor called on the local authority to provide bins for rubbish and to cut back overgrown weeping willow trees at the site. She added that “once it is allowed I will be looking for CCTV cameras to be installed.”
The Ennis Municipal District have confirmed that following a review of the litter situation a bin is to be installed in the area in the coming weeks.
Speaking about the recent damage to the memorial, Councillor Howard said those responsible were “cowards”. Calling for the introduction of a bin, she outlined that since Covid more and more people are choosing to sit and eat outside with the war memorial benches a very popular spot for this activity.
She said she is “delighted to see this” and it brings “great pride” to those involved in the development of the memorial, with more benches planned.
However, Councillor Howard said the area has become “prone to litter” and while most people are conscientious “a gust of wind” can spread rubbish. She also voiced concern about a “cohort drinking” who have left cans there “on a regular basis”.
She said the memorial is “a great addition to the public realm” and it is important place for people “to remember those who went and fought in wars and didn’t come home”.
The motion was seconded by Councillor Johnny Flynn who recalled when the idea for a Peace Park was first discussed by the then Ennis Town Council. He said it is “very important this area is maintained to a very high standard”.
Paddy Tiernan, Acting Senior Executive Engineer, responding to the motion, informed the meeting that the Ennis Municpal District staff inspect the Peace Park on a daily basis and carry out a litter pick as part of normal operational duties.
He said that following “a review of the litter situation within the park Ennis MD will install a bin within the vicinity of the war memorial. This will be completed within the next four to six weeks.”