‘Piggy back’ path suggested on flood defence works

THE potential for ‘piggy-backing’ the creation of public walkways along the River Fergus on the town’s current flood defences works was raised at a meeting of Ennis councillors this week.

 

Ennis East Electoral Area Councillor Johnny Flynn has proposed that, subject to agreement with residents and other landowners, a walking/cycling path should be considered in conjunction with the current flood protection works from Bank Place to Doora Bridge.

 

“If this path were constructed, it could ultimately be continued down to Clarecastle, linking the village with Ennis,” he stated.

He added that plans to develop a car park near Cusack Park could open up the opportunity to create a river walk in the area.

“We need to look at getting maximum benefit for the town,” he said.

Works on the River Fergus Lower Drainage Scheme are currently underway in locations throughout the town.

Earlier this year, Minister of State Brian Hayes signed a contract with Wills Bros Ltd to carry out the works, which will see flood defences being installed from Bank Place Bridge in the town centre to Doora Bridge in Clarecastle.

The €7.1m project will take approximately 18 months to complete and will lead to the protection of 849 residential and 425 non-residential properties on completion.

Senior executive engineer for the area, Eamon O’Dea, responded to Councillor Flynn’s motion, stating,

“The provision of walkways on the river embankment would be a separate project from the Lower Certified Drainage Scheme.

“The new embankment will have a wider embankment crown than the previous embankment. Environmental assessments, consultation with landowners, residents adjacent to the embankments, risk assessments, formal public consultation process and funding stream will be required for this project.”

Councillors Paul Murphy and Sonny Scanlan lent their support, while Councillor Pat Daly commented, “I think it would be lovely to see a walkway between Clarecastle and Ennis”.

Councillor Tommy Brennan voiced concern that the gardaí may not allow a walkway so close to the garda station.

Also at the meeting, Councillor Flynn requested that ongoing meetings be held between the contractors of the flood relief scheme and businesses and residents affected by the works.

In his response, Mr O’Dea stated, “The Office of Public Works (OPW) Lower Fergus Certified Drainage Contract provides for a community liaison person for the OPW and Wills Bros Ltd the contractor. The community liaison persons have been in contact with householders and businesses.

“They recently met with businesses in the Newbridge Road and Abbey Street carpark area and further meetings are being arranged with residents and businesses.

“Ennis Town councillors and Ennis Area councillors had a briefing meeting with OPW design and site supervisory staff and Wills Bros Ltd, the contractor, on Monday, March 4, where details of the project were outlined and the community liaison persons were introduced.

“It was proposed at the  meeting that ongoing updates would be given using local media outlets,” he concluded.