MEMBERS of the public are being urged to have their say on plans aimed at enhancing a popular local beauty spot.

A public consultation will be held in Barefield Community Centre this Thursday, September 8 from 5pm to 8pm to review the proposed design of works for Ballyalla Lake which are being developed by Clare County Council.

According to the local authority the designs aim to “sensitively enhance this lakeside amenity, whilst also considering the wider environment of the lake”.

Ballyalla Lake is located on the river Fergus north of Ennis, covering an area of 308 hectares, and it has been recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

It is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area for bird species in addition to being a proposed Natural Heritage Area.

The designs build on the  ‘Amenity Enhancement Plan for Ballyallia Lake’ which was commissioned by Barefield Tidy Towns, supported by Clare County Council and Clare Local Development Company and have been further informed through focused consultation with key stakeholders including environmental consultants.

The current proposed design looks to ensure the sustainable development of the area while strengthening its role to the wider Ennis town area as an amenity space.

Following public consultations, it is the intention to submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanala in the fourth quarter of this year. Funding has yet to be secured for the implementation phase of this project.

Submissions can be made online at this link and at the consultation. The deadline for submissions on the first public consultation is 4pm on September 9 2022.

There will be an opportunity for further submissions as part of the second round of public consultation.