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 of the road”.
He was told that due to the proximity of the road to the Ballybeg Woods, there is a requirement to carry out a bat survey this spring. On completion of the survey, appropriately designed public lighting will be installed on the route.
The “poor state of repair” of Walshe’s Road was also highlighted with Councillor Murphy seeking resurfacing for the route. Mr Conway replied that the L-8364 is included in the 2022 schedule of MD works for Restoration Improvement.
Councillor Murphy further requested that Active Travel funding is applied for in order to provide footpaths from Ballybeg Silvergrove estate and Killone Grove.
And that Active Travel funding is applied for “in order to providing safe passage for pedestrians at the stream crossing in Lower Ballybeg”.
He was told the Ennis Municipal District will consider this proposal along with the road design section in future Active Travel funding applications.
The councillor welcomed the responses and acknowledged the “great work” that has been carried out by council staff in Ballybeg.
The motion was supported by Mayor of Ennis Councillor Ann Norton and Councillor Pat Daly. Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy commented, “every improvement matters”.