Importance of Ballyalla amenity highlighted

THE importance of Ballyalla Lake as an amenity has been emphasised at a meeting of councillors this week. While council officials say there is no funding for any major project at the site at the moment, there may be scope for smaller improvements in the future.

At this week’s meeting of Ennis East Electoral Area, Councillor Johnny Flynn called for the Clare Sports and Recreation Strategy to be reviewed to include countywide public aquatic activity opportunities. He suggested that Ballyalla Lake and lakeshore would be an ideal location for this.
Responding to the motion, Leonard Cleary, senior executive officer for the Ennis Electoral Area, stated a full detailed report on the lake has been sought from the Council Heritage Officer, having regard to the wildlife habitat.
However, Councillor Flynn urged, “I think we have to have a greater look at it than just at the wildlife; human beings should have use also.”
He was supported by Councillor Tommy Brennan who commented that Ballyalla has been discussed for years by Ennis Town Council.
“We even reviewed two areas, one in Germany and one in England to see what we could do with it. It has potential but where we could get the money is another thing.”
He suggested the next Ennis and Environs Plan facilitate the creation of a link road from Lees Road to Ballyalla. “Then if we get the finance, we could move on it.”
Director of Services and Ennis Town manager Ger Dollard stated, “We all agree it is a very important amenity, not just for the town but for the wider county and it is much wider than wildlife.”
He outlined that this year has seen a number of improvements to the management of the site. Ennis Town Council litter bin collection crew are emptying the bins and clearing litter beside the bins every day. The gardening section of Clare County Council is maintaining the hedgerows and planted areas adjacent to the parking areas and the grass cutting is being carried out by Mid-West Landscaping. The council area crews have carried out work on the paths in March and will be carrying out maintenance work again in October.
The council recently had an exploratory meeting with residents to ascertain what works might be suitable to progress in the event of a project being assembled for the area.
“It is recognised that this is an excellent public amenity and the improvement works undertaken by the council in recent months are towards further improving the amenity for public use,” commented Eamon O’Dea, senior executive engineer.
Mr Dollard added, “The meetings with residents were held to see if there are any projects that could go ahead in the short to medium term. There is not the funding for a major project, but maybe we can generate some funding for some key works. Hopefully we can build on this and get the maximum out of Ballyalla for the wider community.”
Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Daly described Ballyalla as “a beautiful lake and it is sad to see what has happened to it. It would be excellent if funding was available”.
Meanwhile at a meeting of Ennis West councillors, Councillor Tony Mulqueen requested information about the taking of water samples from the lake.
He asked the area engineer “are water samples taken from fresh water in the Ennis West area where people are swimming and involved in water activities for the presence of e-coli in the water”.
He was informed by Eamon O’Dea that Ballyalla Lake has been identified as a designated bathing water area. “This is monitored during the season by Clare County Council staff according to the bathing water legislation.”
The results are available on the county council website.