Religious slant to Nestor’s agenda before priesthood departure

IN perhaps a fitting end for somebody planning on joining the priesthood, Councillor Mark Nestor’s final Ennis Municipal District meeting saw him raise issues relating to a religious grotto and Drumcliffe graveyard.

Before announcing he was stepping down from his role as an elected official the Fianna Fáil councillor raised two final motions at the September Ennis Municipal District meeting.

The Cloughleigh-based councillor requested works be carried out on the steps beside the grotto in nearby Hermitage “to ensure they are safe for use for residents in the area”.

Ian Chaplin, acting senior executive engineer, told the meeting the location has been assessed by Ennis Municipal District.

“The steps leading up to the grotto are in an accessible condition including steel handrails to aid access to the grotto itself. The concrete base and mosaic style tile used at the top of the grotto has become fractured.

“We will request the Rural Development Officer to engage with the residents association to to advise on possible funding source for same.

“If a funding source can be identified, Ennis Municipal District will facilitate necessary repair works being carried out at this location.”

Also at the meeting the councillor requested that Clare County Council assess the possibility of creating a footpath between John O’Sullivan Park, Lee’s Road and Drumcliffe graveyard due to
the large volume of people walking the road.

Mr Chaplin outlined that there is approximately 1km between the two locations mentioned.

“There are a number of constraints along the route consisting of narrow road width, existing stone abutments of old railway bridge, existing stone walls and boundary walls to properties and graveyard.

“There would likely be requirement therefore to obtain land to allow for the footpath installation whilst facilitating two-way traffic.

“To examine the feasibility properly would require a full topographic survey of the route. The footpath project would therefore have a significant cost and a funding source would have to be identified for same.

“Ennis Municipal District will liaise with the Road Design office to determine if this could be considered for future active travel funding.”

Supporting the motion, Councillor Mary Howard stated the road is “very busy” with walkers adding “we need to make it safe”.

Councillor Pat Daly commented, “This is one of the most popular walks in the town of Ennis” with people heading to the graveyard to remember their loved ones.
“This is a health and safety issue,” he said.

Councillor Johnny Flynn stated he agreed “fully” with the proposal saying the footpath would be another step in linking John O’Sullivan Park, Lee’s Road to Ballyalla.