Green Plan development proposal

THE development of a ‘green’ plan for the future development of Ennis and its Environs is something that every political party and independent politician should strive towards.

That is according to former Green Party and now Fianna Fáil member Councillor Brian Meaney. The councillor was speaking at a recent meeting of Ennis West Electoral Area councillors. The councillor had put forward a motion that the committee of councillors support the development of a Green Plan for the area.

This sparked Councillor James Breen to comment to Councillor Meaney that he was “delighted that even though you have left the greens you support the policy”. Councillor Meaney was quick to respond, “This isn’t a green policy, its a Fianna Fáil policy. Fianna Fáil have been extremely interested in protecting the natural environment.”

He went on, “Every political party and every independent is interested in developing and enhancing our built environment and the structure of our town. There are a number of innovative green spaces and visual amenities in the town of Ennis and it is important that we have a strategic view to develop and enhance them.”

Brian McCarthy, senior executive planner responded, “A Green Infrastructure Plan provides an integrated approach to planning and links land use, landscape, services, ecology, heritage and transportation. The provision of a Green Infrastructure Plan in and around urban areas is now widely recognised as contributing importantly towards creating places where people want to live and work. Green infrastructure can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, protection against flooding and erosion as well as enhancing the quality of life for residents of the areas and enhancing their awareness of the local environment.

“The natural heritage of Ennis and Environs with its natural and semi-natural amenities is an important aspect to the quality of life of its citizens and tourists and is ideally placed for the development of a Green Infrastructure Plan. A Green Infrastructure Plan offers huge potential to enhance green spaces and biodiversity for the benefit of the people of Ennis to create an enhance attractive and accessible places for people to enjoy direct and regular contact with the natural environment. It is considered the development of a Green Infrastructure Plan for Ennis and Environs is ideally provided via the preparation of the Draft Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2014-2020.”

Councillor Meaney commented, “It doesn’t matter what political party you are in, this is very positive.”