Tag Archives: Ennis Town Council

“THEY’RE not going home to shave their legs and they’re not making omelettes”, was the message of one councillor to Ennis business people as she urged that them not to sell eggs and shaving foam to youngsters during events such as St Patrick’s Day. Councillor Mary Howard at this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council called on the local authority in association with other agencies such as An Garda Siochana, traders, Ennis Chamber and schools to devise a “code of conduct”. She outlined that this should deal with identifiable perennial events, “particularly antisocial behaviour on certain days by young teenagers”, on days to include St Patrick’s Day, the last day of school and festivals. She stated that there is a problem with antisocial behaviour among young people in the town on certain days of the year. And she said that she was told on St Patrick’s Day from 12 and 13 year olds that it was “too scary” in town …

ENNIS has driven ahead with becoming Ireland’s first town to offer free parking for eco-friendly cars. Amendments to the town’s parking bylaws and on street pay and display bylaws adopted this week by Ennis Town Council, include the provision for free parking for electric and hydrogen powered vehicles at two town car parks. Under the new scheme, the vehicles will be able to park for free at Abbey Street and Glór car parks. The measure had originally been proposed by Councillor Brian Meaney who believes this will be an incentive for people to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport, as well as encouraging visitors to the county capital. “This is a first for Ireland” said the councillor following the adoption of the bylaws. “Ireland is almost completely dependent on very volatile imports of fossil fuels to power personal transport, we have to broaden our energy options. With only approximately 10 electric cars registered in Clare the changeover to the …

By Jessica Quinn THE controversial apartment complex in Ennis known as The Fairways has been put on the market for just €75,000, with members of Ennis Town Council urging that the property described as a “blight on the landscape” be bought by the local authority. Last summer the privately owned building near Marian Avenue hit the headlines when it was heavily criticised by council members calling for something to be done with the derelict site that was deemed not fit for human habitation. This week at a meeting of Ennis Town Council, Councillor Brian Meaney requested that a loan be raised to purchase and renovate the apartment complex for the provision of appropriate social housing. He acknowledged that the property is in “very poor condition” however he said that sum of €75,000 for the complex is “paltry”. “It’s well within the ability of Ennis Town Council,” he added. Responding to the motion, town clerk Leonard Cleary stated, “This property is …

LEGAL costs which could be more than €500,000 for Ennis Town Council’s defence of two High Court challenges to national legislation are “significant cause for concern” for the local authority. In 2013 Ennis Town Council were involved in two separate cases as a defendant. One case related to the Ennis Casual Trading Bylaws 2011, representing a challenge to the Casual Trading Act 1995 and in particular the status of casual trading on market rights. The council incurred legal costs of €147,000 in relation to this matter. Currently, the council is involved in a separate High Court case regarding the deregulation of the taxi regime. A number of sample cases are being heard in relation to this, including one involving Ennis. The legal costs relating to this are estimated to be in the region of between €300,000 and €450,000. Concern about the cost of the legal battles in defending national legislation to the local authority was outlined at this week’s meeting …

THREE of Ennis’ longest-serving public representatives will not be contesting this May’s local elections. Councillors Tommy Brennan, Peter Considine and Mary Coote Ryan are retiring from politics. Independent Councillor Brennan, a member of Ennis Town Council for 35 years and Clare County Council for 29 years, said he made the decision to bow out as a result of changes to local government. “Our function as councillors has been taken away and it’s pointless. It has completely changed. It started in about 2001 with Better Local Government and then the recent changes by Minister Hogan. It leaves the council with no function whatsoever,” he stated. He said the decision not to stand was not made lightly, particularly given the high level of support from the public over the years. “The people of Ennis have given me great support over the last 30 years and I thank them for that. I look forward to retiring and, if I can be of any …

TRAFFIC calming measures which have already proven to be a success at reducing speed in other parts of Ennis are now to be introduced on the Circular Road. Ennis Town Council are planning to install two digital speed signs on the Circular Road between Golf Links Road and Cloughleigh Road roundabout, with senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea stating that the installation will take place “soon.” Mr O’Dea, speaking at a meeting of Ennis West county councillors stated that the council were aware of the concern about speeding in the area. He was responding to a notice of motion by Councillor Tony Mulqueen calling for traffic calming on the Circular Road and a pedestrian crossing. Mr O’Dea stated, “Ennis Town Council’s roadwork’s programme is providing two digital speed signs on Circular Road between Golf Links Road and Cloughleigh Road roundabout. The speed of traffic will be evaluated before and after their installation and historically they have reduced traffic speed thus making …

By Dan Danaher ENNIS town councillors have rejected a proposed boycott by their mayor of the New York St Patrick’s Day Parade as show of solidarity to gay rights groups. Amid heated exchanges between rival town councillors, Ennis Town Council members voted by seven votes to two for deputy mayor, Councillor Brian Meaney to accept an official invitation to march in the New York parade. Mayor Blasio has decided not to march in his own city parade over the long standing exclusion of American gay and lesbians  publicly express their sexual orientation under a banner. Despite passionate appeals from Councillor Paul O’Shea and Councillor Johnny Flynn to support this boycott, other members steadfastly refused to support the right of the town mayor to attend the parade as first citizen of Ennis. Participation in the parade was supported by Ennis mayor, Mary Coote-Ryan, Brian Meaney, Michael Guilfoyle, Peter Considine, Frankie Neylon, Mary Howard and Tommy Brennan. It was opposed by Councillor …

By Dan Danaher ENNIS Town councillors have objected to the provision of a local authority permanent tribute to the late Michael Tierney, a well-known character in the town for decades. A number of councillors questioned whether Mr Tierney’s family would support the proposal tabled by Councillor Brian Meaney and criticised the description of the man, which was placed on the council agenda at this week’s meeting. However, the Clare Champion has learned that Mr Tierney’s closest remaining living relative supports an official acknowledgement of the huge contribution this colourful character made to the town. His first cousin, Cyril Quinn, who resides in Hermitage, confirmed he would really appreciate some form of tribute to Mr Tierney. “If ever a man deserved a tribute, Michael Tierney did. He lit up the place wherever he went. If you went on one of his tours, the enjoyment you would experience would never be repeated. “He enthused energy and laughter from everyone. If you were …