Woman ‘racially abused’ by teenagers in Ennis

TEENAGERS racially abused and spat at a woman while she was walking in Ennis in an act which has been described as “unacceptable” by a local councillor.

Details of the incident were relayed at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District where Councillor Johnny Flynn highlighted the woman’s ordeal.

He outlined that the woman is from Georgia but now living in Ennis and wishes to remain anonymous. “She never experienced a racial incident until she came to Ennis,” he said pointing out that the county capital has recently been named ‘Ireland’s Friendliest Place’.

“A group of young teenagers racially abused her and ran up and spat at her, she was very upset,” he said.

“It is not acceptable for a woman to not feel safe within our town, that level of behaviour is not acceptable.” He added he would be raising the matter at an upcoming meeting of the Joint Policing Committee.

His comments came as Councillor Mary Howard sought an update on previous calls for a ‘health and safety audit’ for users of local parks. Councillor Howard stated that actions such as cutting hedges and installing lights would support women in feeling safer on our streets.

Siobhan McNulty, Senior Executive Officer, responded, “In line with the response last March the team at Active Ennis with our Municipal District and gardening section colleagues inspect facilities regularly to ensure they are maintained at optimum standard.

“We endeavour to upgrade the facilities within the parks as budgets allow and undertake maintenance works as a matter of routine. Generally there is a rolling list of actions for the team and these are actioned as resources allow. If there are specific concerns relating to a facility please contact the undersigned and we will arrange to address same.

“The facilities were reviewed again following this motion and the following is the report: As previously advised the team works within available budgets to incrementally upgrade the facilities, however, larger projects require specific funding sources and external specialist support.

“In particular, there are calls for additional lighting within facilities; it is likely that additional lighting will require Part VIII planning permission. The impact of lighting upgrades must be considered with regard to the impact on wildlife and the environment.”

Councillor Howard commented, “Going through town I see women out walking and running and it’s great to see people healthy and active. But they also want to feel safe.”

Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy described the motion as “very important” saying that the issues raised “unfortunately disproportionately affect women”.