Flower beds on Ennis cycling route sow seeds of discontent

“VIGOROUSLY” growing flower beds along an Ennis cycling route are sowing the seeds of discontent among local residents experiencing difficulty accessing and leaving their homes, a meeting of councillors has heard.

Planting carried out as part of efforts to improve cycling facilities in the St Flannan’s area has strongly grown during the summer with the Ennis Municipal District acknowledging this can “hinder” sight-lines.

A review of the planting of these flower beds is now set to be carried out, the local authority has confirmed.

Traffic calming and cycle lane infrastructure was introduced along the route linking St Flannan’s to the Kilrush Road in 2019.

Councillor Johnny Flynn urged the Ennis Municipal District at a recent meeting to “carry out alterations to the cycling infrastructure installed along by St Flannans to the Kilrush road in order to improve access in and out of houses particularly those affected by flower beds constructed in that scheme.”

Householders living in the area are being “badly affected”, he said. Councillor Flynn told how some some residents have to cross the white line into the opposite lane of traffic while driving due to the road layout.

“They are very concerned,” he stated, urging the council to reduce the number of flower beds in the area.

Councillor Pat Daly stated, “Flower beds affecting people coming out of their houses is serious.”

Councillor Paul Murphy said alterations to the infrastructure “would make life easier for residents”.

Supporting the motion he added, “I also want to acknowledge the importance of having a cycling route which is fantastic.”

Councillor Mary Howard described the cycling infrastructure as a “great success”. “It’s great to see so many people out on bikes.”

Paddy Tiernan, acting senior executive engineer in response to the motion commented, “Ennis Municipal District has carried out a recent inspection of the entrances/exits along this route. The scheme in question was designed and installed in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).

“Narrow radii junctions were installed in order to reduce vehicular speeds and in turn improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. Flowerbeds were incorporated into these junctions as part of the design.

“The species of plants within the beds tend to grow vigorously during the summer months which in turn can hinder sight-lines. Ennis Municipal District together with the Gardening Section will review planting arrangement of these beds and, where appropriate, plant more appropriate species.”