Tag Archives: Ennis

A RESIDENTIAL area of Ennis which had been a pilot location for 30kph speed limit zones is being used as a rat run with “unbelievable” speed. Increasing traffic has lead to local fears of potential accidents in Castlewood Park and residents are seeking the erection of speed ramps at the entrance and exit to their estate. Councillor Mark Nestor highlighted the issue at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District where senior executive engineer Eamonn O’Dea confirmed a review will be carried out while also stressing the need for driver behaviour change. “Residents are very much concerned that the area is being used as a rat run to get from one estate to a main shopping area of the town quickly,” said Councillor Nestor. He added that the level of on-street parking is adding to the danger. “A lot of residents there don’t have their own driveway and there are quite a lot of children living in the area. “What …

EFFORTS by patrons to ensure a place at second level is made available to all pupils in Ennis and feeder communities have been commended. Deputy Joe Carey praised the “proactive action” of the patrons of Ennis post-primary schools in helping to alleviate parents and children’s stress about the issue. A statement issued by George O’Callaghan, CEO Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, (LCETB) has said that a virtual meeting of the schools concerned took place recently. The statement was issued on behalf of the school patrons. “The meeting was to review progress on the issue of pupils without school places for the forthcoming academic year at post-primary in Ennis and establish a unified process to address the problem for the school year 2022/2023 and in forthcoming years,” the statement read. Deputy Carey said that this approach will help to alleviate what has been an ongoing issue for several years in Ennis. “In planning ahead on this and seeking to …

SUMMERHILL locals are “beginning to lose their patience” with traffic detours introduced as part of Ennis’ temporary Covid-19 mobility plan. Calls have now been made for planned road improvements at Summerhill to be expedited due to the “inconvenience” residents have endured. A meeting of the Ennis Municipal District heard the job is part of this year’s road works programme, and is dependent on completion dates of improvements to a section of the Parnell Street Public Realm and the Temporary Covid-19 Ennis Town Centre Mobility Management Plan. Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Paul Murphy raised the issue welcoming the inclusion of Summerhill in the roadworks programme and urging that they take place “in as timely a manner as possible”. Seconding the motion, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy stated, “We are all in agreement that these works should be prioritised. These people have been very patient.” Summerhill residents have “put up enough with traffic going up and down,” said Councillor Pat Daly: “I realise …

THE town of Ennis has been making waves with a new artistic initiative which has proven to be anything but a drain. Reports of something fishy happening in the town began to emerge last week, with sightings of sea creatures on Ennis’s streets. While robots and dinosaurs were also spotted hanging around the drains of the county capital. However there was nothing to fear from these colourful creatures which have been the result of a new ‘drainart’ project of public art instigated by Ennis Chamber. The artwork has already proven to be a massive hit, with the hashtag Everybody Loves Ennis, trending as people from around the world shared photos across social media of the designs. The images were shared on RTÉ’s social media, with Margaret O’Brien of Ennis Chamber telling us that according to the national broadcaster it was one of the most positive engagements they had across all their platforms that day. The paintings were created by artists …

AN Ennis man has been elected to a key position within the Union of Students in Ireland. Victor O’Loughlin is the next vice president for the Border Midlands and Western Region of the USI. Due to the ongoing public health restrictions, USI Congress was held via Zoom with delegates voting online for the 2021-2022 executive team and numerous policies and motions. Congress was also streamed live on Facebook so students could watch the action as it happened. The 22-year-old is no stranger to student politics, having been elected as president of the student union of GMIT last year. He has been an active member in the student movement since 2016, involved in gathering students for protests, registering them to vote and of course, standing for election. He spent two years as a class rep before his election in 2018 as deputy president for education with GMIT’s student union, and his election as president in 2020. With this year’s USI election …

TEN years ago Damian Casey set out on a journey of faith, which has led him to being ordained as a priest of the Franscican Order this weekend. His ordination will take place this Saturday at 4pm, and on Friday, April 30, the newly ordained Fr Damian will celebrate the 7.30pm mass in Ennis Cathedral. Brother Damian is currently the Deacon of the Franciscan Order and his ordination, along with his first mass on Sunday at 12 noon, is being broadcast on the internet. Damian was born in Waterford, a past pupil of Mount Sion CBS. After school his life took him on a career in teaching, ending up as Principal of Mother of Fair Love School, Kilkenny. In 2011 Damian began exploring his vocational calling and this led him to the Franciscan family. Two years late Damian came to Ennis as a novice and in September 2014 in the Friary here in Ennis he made his first profession. His …

DOZENS of Ennis businesses across a range of sectors are joining forces to try and help bring about a sustained recovery in the town, as the spectre of lockdowns begins to retreat. Speaking about it this week one of the leading figures in the town’s hospitality sector, Allen Flynn of the Old Ground hotel said that there is some very positive work happening. “Over 75 businesses have come together. We’re in the early stages of a recovery plan and it’s vital in terms of positivity for the town. “Ennis Chamber has led the way in terms of raising funds for a niche destination plan for the town and that is being implemented now under the chairmanship of Brian Crowley, who is a very proud Ennisman. “There will be various initiatives in terms of assisting a recovery plan for the town. “There will be an Ennis portal, which will drive overnight visitors, day visitors and shopping. For the first time ever …

GARDAÍ have arrested a man, aged in his 20s, as part of an ongoing investigation under Operation SKEIN, this morning, Friday, April 23. A search operation was conducted by Gardaí at a location in Ennis, with assistance from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB). The man was arrested for offences contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 as amended. He is currently detained in Ennis Garda Station under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. He can be detained for up to seven days. This is the 21st arrest as part of Operation SKEIN.