Streetwise participants tell councillors they “don’t feel safe”

“WE don’t feel safe accessing our community”. That was the strong message of service users of the Brother’s of Charity’s Streetwise programme who made their voices heard at this month’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District calling for a safe route in and out of their base at the Clonroad Business Park.

Members of the Streetwise programme were in the public gallery during the meeting where a video presentation they created was played for councillors and the executive.

Introducing the video Councillor Ann Norton urged her fellow councillors to support the service users in their request for a safe route and a designated, fit for purpose accessible walkway.

The video featured the voice of a service user who outlined their experiences of using the “unsafe route in and out of the Clonroad Business Park”. It detailed how “cars swing to avoid us” as they make their way to the pedestrian crossing on the Clonroad heading into Ennis where they regularly visit facilities including the museum and library.

It highlighted that not only are the Streetwise users affected, but other users of the business park including wheelchair users also feel unsafe.

Councillor Norton praised the presentation, saying, “It’s important that we listen to everybody’s voice and these students have flagged this issue.”

She outlined that Streetwise have contacted the council on a number of occasions to make the case for a new walkway including meeting with an area engineer.

Councillor Norton urged the council to take action on the walkway saying, “I really believe it should be something that needs to be looked at, not alone for the users of Streetwise but for all people with disabilities.”

She acknowledged the determination of the service users saying, “they are not going to give up until they are safe.”

Councillor Johnny Flynn backed the motion suggesting that a green space at Meadown Court could be used to create a walkway. Councillor Pat Daly said the Clonroad is “probably one of the busiest routes in town, the presentation shows something has to be done.”

Councillor Paul Murphy also voiced his support, suggesting that while the business park is in private ownership Active Travel funding could help provide a solution to making the entry and exit safer for all.

Chairing the meeting, Deputy Mayor Councillor Mary Howard agreed that the green space would be an “ideal location” for a wheelchair and disability friendly footpath, suggesting seating could also be included.

Paddy Tiernan, acting senior executive engineer, responding to the motion stated, “Ennis MD will engage with Streetwise and any other affected party to discuss and establish a workable solution to the issues encountered.

“It is noted that there is potential for the existing walkway via French Park to be upgraded. Following on from these discussions Ennis MD will liaise with the Road Design office to determine if a project of this nature could be considered for future active travel funding.

“As the Clonroad Business Park is within private ownership the extents of any potential project would be external to the business park.”

Carmel Kirby, director of service told those gathered in the public gallery that the presentation was “fantastic” adding that it had “made an impression” on the executive. She added the council “will certainly see” what can be done to achieve accessible access.

Mr Tiernan said he was happy to engage with Streetwise and councillors going forward in a bid to find a solution with a number of potential options open.