Scaling the fence at Lees Road ‘won’t be tolerated’

GARDAÍ have been contacted after people began scaling the fence of the all-weather pitch at Lees Road recently, with Ennis Town Council town clerk Leonard Cleary warning “this won’t be tolerated”.
He was speaking as Mayor of Ennis Councillor Michael Guilfoyle raised concerns about what he described as “health and safety issues” at both Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park and Tim Smythe Park. However, town manager Ger Dollard has insisted the facilities are safe, but that people need to use them correctly.
At a recent meeting of Ennis Town Council, Councillor Guilfoyle told how he “took pity on the grounds man” when he saw a number of people climb the fence surrounding the all-weather pitch. He added that people have also been seen on the running track going in the wrong direction.
While he welcomed the provision of recreational facilities in the town, he called for signage to be put in place highlighting what is and is not allowed.
“I have every sympathy for the people working there, signage is needed to make people aware of what you can and can’t do. Putting all the facilities in there means there needs to be some responsibility from someone who can control what’s going on.”
Councillor Guilfoyle also raised questions about the safety of facilities at Tim Smythe Park.
Mr Dollard assured that anything the local authority does in providing recreational facilities goes through risk assessment and complies with all health and safety requirements.
However he added, “How people use the equipment is an entirely different story”. He said the council cannot recruit staff to police the use of the facilities. Mr Dollard commented that while the council can look at providing signage, “I don’t think the people we are talking about here will take notice of the signage”. He said a wider discussion on ways to deal with the misuse of the facilities is needed.
Town clerk Leonard Cleary confirmed the matter of people climbing the fence was brought to the council’s attention and referred to the gardaí. “This will be dealt with by the proper authorities and obviously won’t be tolerated,” he said.
Future plans for both Tim Smythe Park and Lees Road under the council’s Capital Programme for 2012 to 2014 were outlined at the meeting.
It is proposed to construct a multi-use games area (MUGA) to complement the equipment in the three play areas in Tim Smythe Park. The MUGA is to be constructed on the site of the former playground area.
All the old playground equipment has been removed and this area is now a vacant site. According to Mr Dollard, these four play areas would provide a “one-stop location for all the family to enjoy outdoor activity and a healthy lifestyle together.” The cost of this project should not exceed €48,000.
The next phase in the development of Tim Smythe Park is the provision of dressing rooms and toilet facilities when funding has been identified.
Mr Dollard stated, “These works represent an integral part of the overall project and are essential to its overall success. The project, when complete, will represent a significant social and community asset, will enhance the facilities in the town and add to the quality and attractiveness of Ennis. Ennis Town Council previously tended for this project but due to the necessity to preserve its financial capacity in the difficult economic circumstances, the tendering process was terminated. The cost of this project should not exceed €365,000 and will proceed when funding sources have been identified.”
In relation to Lees Road, it is proposed to add trim trail equipment to “supplement and enhance the facilities already available in the park”. This trim trail equipment will incorporate exercise activities for all abilities. “This can be used to aid rehabilitation from injury or ill health, as well as taking your fitness to the next level,” Mr Dollard explained. The cost of this project is almost €40,000 and funding of €34,000 has been received from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.