Plans afoot to restore Ballyalla Lake

BALLYALLA Lake could once again become the favourite beauty spot for Ennis people with confirmation that improvements are planned for the amenity.
The lake, which in the past was a very popular recreation site for locals, has now been included in Clare County Council’s draft beach improvement programme for 2012 – 2015.
Ballyalla Lake was not originally included in the draft programme, prompting calls for the amenity to be added.
Proposed works at Ballyalla under the programme now include the resurfacing of footpaths and clearing of walkways through the woods and replanting tree beds between parking bays and the removal of dead hedging and replanting along the frontage.
It is also planned to improve interpretive panels in the area, to include information about wildlife and other information and there will be anti-litter signs.
The programme also outlines plans for improvements to picnic areas and the introduction of seats of a more natural character. The county council also proposes to continue footpath improvements with an emphasis on facilities for the aged, young families and people with special needs.
A report compiled by Betty Devanny, administrative officer with Clare County Council for transportation, water services and environment, outlined the programme at the March meeting of the Environmental and Water Services Strategic Policy Committee and Ballyalla Lake was not included in the programme at that time.
Councillor Johnny Flynn urged the amenity be included in the list and it was agreed to consult with the Ennis area engineer responsible for the area and identify possible improvement works that could be included.
In May, it was confirmed Ballyalla Lake has been added to the revised draft programme.
Councillor Flynn this week welcomed the decision saying, “Ballyalla Lake is an amenity that during the ’60s and ’70s was hugely used by people from Ennis and its environs. However, it has been neglected over the last 10 to 15 years. I am delighted that these upgrade works have been included in the draft programme for 2012 – 2015 as there is an urgent need for this.
“We have already seen the successes of the development of amenities at Lees Road and the playground in Tim Smythe Park. Ballyalla needs to be the next step in the development of recreation facilities for Ennis.
“There is a lot of potential in Ballyalla, it is a beautiful amenity that has been ignored and it has been run down due to the behaviour of a small sector of society.”
He added, “In these times, people are looking for more accessible amenities with high value, Ballyalla Lake is free for everybody to enjoy and it should be enjoyed. A number of years ago, Ballyalla would have been considered to be a good bit out of town but now its right on the edge of the boundary. A lot of people aren’t even aware of it but by opening it up and making it more accessible, it could become as widely used as Lees Road and Tim Smythe Park.”
He also urged local community groups to get involved in improving the area. “Community groups in the area could come together and work with the county council to develop a project to improve Ballyalla. There is significant amenity enhancing funding available from LEADER and I would be delighted to assist any group who make contact with me,” he said. He further suggested that in the future, Ballyalla Lake could be the ideal location for the development of a motor home park for tourists.
Ten beaches have been included in the draft plan, which has yet to come before a full meeting of Clare County Council.
Improvement works are proposed under the draft plan in Kilkee, Doonbeg, Cappa, Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Fanore, Mountshannon, Ballycuggeran, Spanish Point and Ballyalla Lake.
In the report on the draft plan, Ms Devanny acknowledges that some infrastructural improvement works have taken place in recent years on the beaches in the county. It is planned to carry out a programme of works over the next three years at Clare’s beaches with priority to be given to Clare’s eight Blue Flag beaches.
“It is necessary to improve the infrastructure at Clare’s beaches to continue to attract both locals and tourists to the beaches, meet health and safety requirements and to continue to meet the Blue Flag criteria,” she states.
The draft programme has been prepared in consultation with the area-based staff, has taken cognisance of issues raised by elected members and by An Taisce.
The draft outlines that full scoping of the proposed works has not yet taken place and it will be necessary to comply with all legislative requirements in implementing this draft programme.
It is envisaged the main and only source of funding will be planning contributions which have been ringfenced for beach improvement works. However, the release of funding from development levies will be subject to the constraints of the general government balance GGB.
“Clare County Council will consider proposals from the private/community/commercial sectors, which will lead to an improvement in infrastructure/facilities at Clare’s beaches,” she concludes.
A recent meeting of Ennis West Electoral Area councillors saw a request from Councillor Brian Meaney for an update on the care and maintenance arrangements for Ballyalla Lake.
Eamon O’Dea, senior executive engineer for the Ennis electoral area, stated, “The council has arranged for the emptying of litter bins to be carried out by the Ennis Town Council street cleaning operatives (seven-day service). The gardening section will be maintaining the shrubs and planted areas and grass cutting will be carried out by contract. The Ennis Area Office operatives have carried out trimming and cleaning of the walkways in spring. The council will be seeking the assistance of the local community in litter picking in the area if required.