Minutes of Ennis Municipal District Meeting December 2024
Held in the Council Chamber, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare and on MS Teams
On Tuesday 10th December2024
Time: 3:00pm
Minutes of Ennis Municipal District Meeting December 2024
Present:
Councillors attending:
Councillor C. Colleran-Molloy (Cathaoirleach)
Councillor M. Howard (Leas-Cathaoirleach)
Councillor P. Murphy
Councillor T. O’Callaghan
Councillor T. Guilfoyle
Councillor A. Baker Bashua
Officials attending in person:
Carmel Kirby, Director of Service
Sean Lenihan, Senior Engineer
Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer
Paddy Tiernan, Acting Senior Executive Engineer
Niamh O’Connor, Administrative Officer and Meetings Administrator
Lily McInerney, Staff Officer (minutes).
Apologies:
Cllr Pat Daly.
Presiding:
Chair Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy opened the meeting welcoming all to December Meeting.
Votes of sympathy
Noel Crowley R.I.P. ex Clare County Librarian.
Mary Brodie R.I.P, Ballyogan, Barefield, former Member of Fine Gael.
Item 1: Minutes of November 2024 Meeting of Ennis Municipal District and Minutes of the Budget Meeting of Ennis Municipal District held on 12th November 2024.
Ar moladh Councillor C. Colleran Molloy Cuidithe ag Councillor M. Howard agus glacadh leis
“That the November 2024 Minutes of Ennis Municipal District be adopted.” and
“That the Budget Minutes of Ennis Municipal District be adopted.”
Item 2: Matters Arising
None.
Item 3: Ordinary Business
(i) Declaration of Public Roads - Moínéir Ros Leamhan, Rosslevan, Ennis, Co. Clare.
Item deferred.
(ii) Section 38 - proposed Traffic Calming Safer Routes to School Scheme, Phase 2, Ennis, Co. Clare.
Report and map circulated in advance of Meeting.
Ar moladh Cllr. M. Howard Cuidithe ag Cllr. P. Murphy agus glacadh leis.
“that the Section 38 be adopted by Ennis Municipal District”.
Cllr Howard complimented the crews involved on an amazing job being rolled out and she thanked Anthony Considine Executive Engineer.
(iii) Section 38 Traffic Calming at Clarecastle Community Centre, Centra Car Park, Clarecastle, Co. Clare.
Report and map circulated in advance of Meeting.
Ar moladh Cllr. P. Murphy Cuidithe ag Cllr. T. Guilfoyle agus glacadh leis.
“that this Section 38 be adopted by Ennis Municipal District”.
Cllr Murphy thanked Paddy Tiernan who had engaged with the new owners of the shop, and he welcomed this scheme which will make this busy thoroughfare safer for the public.
Cllr Guilfoyle welcomed this scheme, having had the issue raised with him many times in the past.
Cllr O’Callaghan also welcomed this scheme.
Paddy Tiernan acknowledged there was poor visibility for Ennis-bound traffic exiting the car park and the main aim of this scheme is to prevent inappropriate parking. There is provision also for temporary planters in front of the shop.
(iv) Disposal of a small strip of land at Gaurus, Ennis, Co. Clare.
Report and map circulated in advanced of the Meeting.
Ar moladh Cllr. M. Howard Cuidithe ag Cllr. T. O’Callaghan agus glacadh leis
“to dispose of this small strip of land at Gaurus, Ennis, Co. Clare”.
Item 4: GMA Allocations for Approval
None.
Item 5: Notice of Motion No. 1 Primary Care Centre Planning Conditions
Ar moladh Cllr. T. O’Callaghan Cuidithe ag Cllr. T. Guilfoyle, agus glacadh leis
No. 1 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. T O’Callaghan
Very significant parking issues have developed in the area around the newly established Primary Care Centre, Station Road, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, from Monday to Friday. I ask the following related questions; 1) is full planning permission, including conditions granted, adhered to in strict compliance, 2) has the council and/or the HSE/developer investigated a solution option of urgent provision of carparking in the adjoining site(s).
Sean Lenihan, Senior Engineer, responded as follows:
Members will be aware that planning permission for the Primary Care Centre development was permitted under Planning Reference 19/231 and contained strict conditions in respect of the parking provision and management on the site whereby staff and customer parking is to be separated within the development.
In addition, there is also a condition in respect of a mobility management plan on the site, and this condition requires the mobility plan to be reviewed and amended on an annual basis (in conjunction with the Planning Authority) for the first 5 years of the occupancy of the development. To this end, the Local Authority has and will continue to engage with the HSE and the Buildings owners, in respect of the above planning conditions and this is ongoing in particular with respect to the mobility management plan. Related to same, a further meeting has been sought with them for early in the new year and as always, any breaches of planning conditions will be referred to the Planning Authority for enforcement action where necessary.
In terms of additional carparking, I am aware that the HSE/Developer has arranged dedicated parking in the Market Multi-storey carpark and I understand that they have also looked into the acquisition of other adjacent lands that may be suitable for parking. It should be noted of course that some non Primary Care Centre users are availing of the carpark there such as some parents collecting children from the nearby school and indeed others parking there and venturing down town for a period. We have advised that they may need to look at having a carpark attendant or some other means of managing their carparks and this will be further discussed at our meeting in the new year.
This item was seconded by Cllr T. Guilfoyle and agreed by all Members.
Cllr O’Callaghan welcomed the detailed response stating that it would be critical to get a good outcome from the meeting referenced and he stressed the importance of enforcing the planning conditions.
Cllr Guilfoyle supported this Motion, stating that it is regrettable that people with medical appointments are forced to avail of parking in Dunnes carpark or further away. He also referenced a related parking issue regarding non-residents parking in residential town centre areas like Ardlea Close, requesting appropriate signage.
Cllr Murphy supported the Motion and added that he had requested signage on behalf of Ardlea Close residents.
Cllr Howard supported the Motion recalling that there had been hopes at the outset for a parking arrangement for staff at the train station carpark. She would welcome any solution to this issue to alleviate the parking difficulty for those with medical appointments many of whom are very unwell.
Paddy Tiernan advised signage can be provided but is not legally enforceable.
Sean Lenihan reiterated the importance of staff of the medical centre availing of the arrangement to use the multi storey carpark in the Market. This, in addition to the recommendation for the centre to have a dedicated Warden on duty, would make a difference. These questions will be posed at the forthcoming meeting, the outcome of which will be relayed to Members.
Item 6: Notice of Motion No. 2 CCTV in Housing Estates in Ennis
Ar moladh Cllr. T. Guilfoyle Cuidithe ag Cllr. P. Murphy
No. 2 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. T. Guilfoyle
Considering the ongoing issues of antisocial behaviour and criminality affecting several areas in our town, I propose the following notice of motion:
That Ennis MD management collaborates with relevant organizations and stakeholders to ensure that all Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in the Municipal Districts housing estates are fully operational, recording, and correctly oriented throughout the Christmas holidays.
Objective:
To enhance the safety and security of residents during the festive season by:
- Conducting a comprehensive audit of existing CCTV systems to identify and address any technical faults or misalignments.
- Collaborating with law enforcement and technical experts to verify the operational status of all cameras.
- Implementing any necessary updates or repairs to ensure all cameras are functioning effectively.
- Engaging with community representatives to raise awareness about the presence and benefits of CCTV surveillance in mitigating criminal activity.
Sean Lenihan, Senior Engineer, responded as follows:
It is agreed that the presence of CCTV cameras serve as a significant deterrent to criminality and/or antisocial behaviour and provide a level of comfort to Communities and the public where they are in place and in operation. Members will be aware however, that there are strict GDPR issues relating to the use and location of CCTV cameras in the Community.
The motion is timely as Ennis MD staff have been engaging recently with our colleagues in ICT, Data Protection and Finance in terms of a condition survey of existing CCTV cameras, what upgrades, replacements, additions that may be required/possible, a legal basis for having them to ensure compliance with Data Protection Regulations and securing the necessary funding for whatever changes and upgrades are required.
Related, only this week, Ennis MD staff had a very productive meeting with senior members of An Garda Siochana and an outcome of same was for the relevant personnel in both organisations to engage further on what can be done at the earliest juncture. I will keep Members informed of developments and am happy to meet/discuss with any community representatives that may have an interest or concern in this regard.
This item was seconded by Cllr P. Murphy and agreed by all Members.
Cllr Guilfoyle thanked Sean Lenihan, reiterated that communities are subject to anti-social behaviour, and the provision of CCTV is critical. The facility must be accessible for Gardai when required and without delay, and for housing estates CCTV must be accessible by appropriate personnel.
Cllr P. Murphy supported this Motion, having been disappointed to learn of incidents of anti-social behaviour recently in Clarecastle as well as Ennis.
Cllr O’Callaghan, in support, recalled a response to a similar Motion of his which stated that analysis undertaken deemed the number of incidents as not being sufficient to warrant the CCTV - he strongly disagreed with this. He stressed that anything that can be done to further the establishment of CCTV would be money well spent, and this should be a priority in the new year.
Cllr Howard stated that the legislation should have been an effective instrument, however this has not been the case. She added that as a woman, she herself felt safer with a CCTV system and that this sense of security was more important than any concern regarding privacy breaches. The Pobal system in the past had served as an immediate deterrent to anti-social behaviour.
Item 7: Notice of Motion No. 3 Quin Road to N85 Dual Carriageway Relief Road
Ar moladh Cllr. P Murphy Cuidithe ag Cllr. M. Howard agus glacadh leis
No. 3 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. P. Murphy
That Ennis Municipal District seek to progress the construction of the relief road from the Quin Road to the N85 Dual Carriageway that is proposed in the County Clare Development Plan.
Sean Lenihan, Senior Engineer, responded as follows:
Members will be aware that the provision of a new access to the motorway from the Quin Road to alleviate significant heavy traffic from the town is one of the Council’s Strategic Infrastructural aims contained within the current County Development Plan.
Related is our commitment to carry out and adopt a Local Transport Plan which will inform and assist in the application of funding for such a non-national but strategic route. This work is ongoing as part of the Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) that is being progressed currently. Ennis MD Staff along with our Technical Advisors Systra are reviewing the Draft Local Transport Plan, following which a briefing will be held with Ennis MD Councillors prior to the Draft LTP being published and put out for public consultation.
Moreover, I have a meeting arranged for early in the new year with senior Dept of Transport personnel and indeed senior Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) personnel to discuss how best to secure the necessary funding and consents to progress such a project. I will keep the Members advised of developments in this regard.
This item was seconded by Cllr M Howard and agreed by all Members.
Cllr Murphy was satisfied that this strategic proposal would be brought forward through the development plan. He advised that there are a lot of heavy goods vehicles, Mart traffic and the Green bus using this route and the solution should also fall within the scope of the Ennis2040 plan.
Cllr Howard was delighted to support the Motion and welcomed the response. Cllr Guilfoyle also supported and recommended a slipway onto the motorway which would take traffic from the centre of town which does not need to be there. Cllr Baker Bashua supported the Motion.
Item 8: Notice of Motion No. 4 Flooding in Ballyogan Road, Barefield.
Ar moladh Cllr. A. Baker Bashua Cuidithe ag Cllr. T. O’Callaghan , agus glacadh leis
No. 4 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. A. Baker Bashua
That Clare County Council investigates and addresses the persistent flooding on the Ballyogan Road in Barefield. This issue affects approximately 30 houses along the stretch, causing significant disruption for residents. Additionally, the flooding impacts access to Kilraghtis graveyard, which is essential to the local community. I am requesting that the Council examines the feasibility of raising the road level or implementing alternative solutions to prevent future flooding and ensure safe and reliable access for all.
Patrick Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer responded as follows:
Ennis MD are aware of the issue at Ballyogan which occurs seasonally during periods of inclement weather and elevated water tables. We commit to investigating the issue further with a view to solving the problem.
It is likely any proposed solution will require both access and works within private lands on either side of the locus. We will engage with all relevant departments to secure a funding source for the project once a workable solution is found.
This item was supported by Cllr T. O’Callaghan and agreed by all Members.
Cllr Baker Bashua thanked Senior Executive Engineer Paddy Tiernan and would welcome a progress report in due course.
Cllr O’Callaghan supported the Motion, recalling his own personal experience of flooding, so he could vouch for the 30 or so people affected here and the funding must be sought to find a remedy.
Cllr Murphy supported the Motion and was well aware of the issue which had been reported many times in the past.
Item 9: Notice of Motion No. 5 Public Recreation Area southern side of Ennis
Ar moladh Cllr. M. Howard Cuidithe ag Cllr.P. Muprhy, agus glacadh leis
No. 5 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. M. Howard
Can lands be identified on the southern side of Ennis (Clare Rd) to facilitate a public recreation area.
Sean Lenihan, Senior Engineer, responded as follows:
This Motion is timely in that Ennis MD staff are currently looking at where such lands may be available. Following the identification of a suitable site, we will engage further with our colleagues in Rural, Social, Planning and Finance on a cross-directorate basis to see how best such a project could be progressed and funded. I will keep Members informed of developments in this regard.
This item was seconded by Cllr P. Murphy and agreed by all Members.
Cllr Howard stated she had raised this matter back in her Town Council days; there are many residential parts of town where families do not benefit from a nearby green/play area. Having to drive to such a facility means it doesn’t happen as regularly as it should. She highlighted the past success of a small play area developed by a Tidy Towns volunteer and there is a need for Ennis M.D. to actively seek out play areas where they don’t currently exist.
Cllr Murphy fully supported the Motion and added that an area close to the Riverwalk might be very appropriate.
Cllr Guilfoyle, in support, recommended provision in the Kilrush Roadside of town, that the west and south parts of town have populations with no convenient green area. So there is an onus on the M.D to provide a playground this side of town.
Cllr Baker Bashua supported this Motion adding that any facility that takes children away from ‘screen time’ is worth investing in. Cllr O’Callaghan supported what he called a very timely Motion and would be happy to support any future proposals.
Item 10: Notice of Motion No. 6 College Grove Taking in Charge
Ar moladh Cllr. M. Howard Cuidithe ag Cllr. P. Murphy, agus glacadh leis
In Cllr. P. Daly’s absence, this Motion was moved.
No. 6 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. P. Daly
I request Ennis Municipal District to take over the road at College Grove, which includes houses numbers 24 to 29.
Kieran O’Donnell, Administrative Officer, responded as follows:
College Grove, Ennis was taken in charge by resolution of Ennis Town Council on the 6th September 1999 with the exception of the cul-de-sac serving houses no’s 24 to 29 and no. 81.
A site inspection was carried out on 10th January 2024 and several issues were identified that will require remedial works to bring this section of the estate road up to a taking in charge standard. Unfortunately, there is no bond money available for these works.
The street lighting in this section of the estate road has already been taken in charge and the indications are that the water infrastructure serving houses no’s 24 to 29 and no. 81 are under the control of Uísce Éireann.
To date the Planning Authority has not received a formal request from the residents to take the cul -de-sac in charge as provided for under Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act. However, as the services i.e. the street lighting and water infrastructure appear to already be taken in charge it may be more beneficial for the residents to request that the road be declared a public road under Section 11 of the Roads Act.
The item was proposed by Cllr M. Howard, seconded by Cllr. P. Murphy and agreed by all Members.
Item 11: Notice of Motion No. 7 Friary Bow Public Lighting
Ar moladh Cllr. T. O’Callaghan Cuidithe ag Cllr. A. Baker Bashua, agus glacade leis
No. 7 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. T. O’Callaghan
To request extra lighting be installed at Friary bow Lane ensuring a user-friendly environment at all times.
Patrick Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer responded as follows:
Ennis MD will carry out an assessment of the lane to ensure all existing public lights are working and are adequately positioned. Following this assessment, and if necessary, we will work together with our colleagues in the Public Lighting Department to provide a solution.
This item was seconded by Cllr A. Baker Bashua and agreed by all Members.
Cllr O’Callaghan thanked Paddy for the response, stating that enhanced lighting would make the area feel safer at night.
Cllr Baker Bashua seconded the Motion and would welcome the additional lighting which would enhance the centre of town.
Item 12: Notice of Motion No. 8 New Library – Opening Hours
Ar moladh Cllr. M. Howard Cuidithe ag Cllr. T. O’Callaghan, agus glacadh leis
No. 8 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. M. Howard
Our new library has been a great success and something for us all to be very proud of.
Is it possible for the opening hours be extended to include Sundays?
Helen Walsh, County Librarian, responded as follows:
The new DeValera Library has had phenomenal usage since opening its doors on Monday 11th November, it is averaging up to 1,000 visits per day. Opening hours were extended (prior to opening) by 2 hours on Saturdays to bring Saturday opening into a longer day, staying open until 4pm rather than 2pm. In total – the library is now open 48.5 hours per week which includes 2 late nights up to 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Demand has been driven by both our usual clients and those new to library membership – this has placed additional pressure on staffing resources with HQ staff now on a rota to supplement Saturday opening and in recent weeks Management team library staff filling in on the floor on busy Saturdays. The supplementation of HQ staff into the branch is only sustainable in the short term as HQ duties need to be performed and business needs resourced adequately. In this scenario, there is no scope for opening on Sundays and there are no Irish public libraries open on Sundays with staffing in situ.
It has been acknowledged that the public would indeed like to use libraries on Sundays and the “My Open library” version of service delivery is the preferred model. This entails the library opening through self-service outside of traditional hours from 8am each morning to 10pm each night – 7 days per week. The MOL version is operable in a few libraries at present – with the intention of Ennis joining the MOL network in the latter part of 2025. In the meantime, the new branch needs to bed down, observations on usage need to be reviewed and technological solutions put in place prior to a move to MOL in Q4 2025.
This item was seconded by Cllr. T. O’Callaghan and agreed by all Members.
Cllr Howard complimented all involved in the establishment of the new library in Ennis and particularly Helen Walsh, County Librarian. She highlighted the high usage by all age groups since the opening and Sunday opening would be an obvious enhancement.
Cllr O’Callaghan supported the Motion highlighting the advantage for older people being able to enjoy a warm and safe environment. He highlighted that Glór next door presented an immense opportunity to host tourism offerings that could really showcase Ennis.
Cllr Murphy agreed that it was only common sense to have such a facility open as much as possible.
Cllr Baker Bashua, in support, added that any measure that encourages people into town over the weekend is a good thing.
Item 13: Notice of Motion No. 9 Emergency Point of Contact
Ar moladh Cllr. T. Guilfoyle Cuidithe ag Cllr. A. Baker Bashua agus glacadh leis
No. 9 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. T. Guilfoyle
Establishment of a Central Point of Contact for Urgent and Emergency Matters.
In response to the need for improved coordination during urgent and serious issues affecting our communities, I am calling on the Director of the Ennis Municipal District to establish a centralized point of contact. This central contact should be responsible for efficiently coordinating and assembling all relevant parties when an urgent meeting is required to address public concerns.
Recent experiences within the Ennis Municipal District have highlighted the challenges faced by communities when serious issues arise. We must possess the capability to respond promptly and establish contact with various individuals and organizations to facilitate the requisite discussions for efficient assistance.
The establishment of a central point of contact aims to streamline the process of assembling the necessary parties. This would ensure that affected communities receive prompt attention and support, thereby improving the overall response and management of emergency situations.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could consider and support this motion, as it would significantly improve the district's ability to respond to community needs in a timely and efficient manner.
Sean Lenihan, Senior Engineer, responded as follows:
For all matters during working hours, contact can be made through the Council main number (065-6821616) or through the various direct lines to relevant Council staff. Outside of business hours, the Council has an Emergency Contact Number 087 2599568 in place where members of the public can call and be directed to the relevant person or geographical area related to their emergency. This emergency phone is manned on a 7 day basis and is rotated among a number of key staff charged and paid for the responsibility. On receipt of a call to the Emergency Number, the person on call will seek key information and refer the call and the issue to the relevant Council Staff member for consideration, action and follow up.
If Members feel that the current system may need to be changed or improved, I am happy to engage and relay any issues/concerns to my colleagues who manage the current arrangement.
This item was seconded by Cllr A. Baker Bashua and agreed by all Members.
Cllr Guilfoyle acknowledged the response, was happy with the detail and looks forward to further engagement.
Item 14: Notice of Motion No. 10 – Footpath at Shanaway Road - extension
Ar moladh Cllr. M. Howard Cuidithe ag Cllr. P. Murphy, agus glacadh leis
In Cllr. P. Daly’s absence, this Item was moved.
No. 10 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. P. Daly
I ask Ennis Municipal District to continue the footpath at Shanaway Road, in particular from Heffernan’s house (Hurley maker) to the end of the adjacent open site next door (approx 100 metres).
Patrick Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:
Ennis MD have carried out a desktop assessment of this location. The completion of this section of footpath would provide a safe pedestrian connectivity link along the Shanaway Road. We will work to advance this project in the coming months. A suitable funding source will need to be identified and secured in order to construct the project.
This item was proposed by Cllr M. Howard, seconded by Cllr. P. Murphy and agreed by all Members.
Cllr P. Murphy commended Cllr. Daly’s Notice of Motion and recommended that a funding source be identified. He questioned the shift from pooled GMA allocation in 2024, as projects like this footpath could be readily funded through a €50k joint GMA contribution.
Cllr O’Callaghan responded that this type of essential work warrants central government funding and not Councillors’ modest GMA provision.
Cllr T. Guilfoyle agreed that the funding model of local government is an issue and was highlighted at budget meeting. Central government does not adequately fund local government, he urged all representatives to engage wherever possible to bring about a change in the inadequate funding structure of local government.
Item 15: Notice of Motion No. 11 Signage at Knockinamana/Killow Road
Ar moladh Cllr. P. Murphy Cuidithe ag Cllr. M. Howard, agus glacadh leis
No. 11 Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr. P. Murphy
The Railway Bridge crossing on the Knockinamana/Killow Road L4116 to R458 is not capable of taking any form of Heavy Goods Vehicles due to its width and severe bend or chicane. I am requesting that advance warning signage and road markings, advising road users of this, are provided at both entry points to this road in order to prevent confusion, traffic snarls and to improve safety for local residents and road users alike.
Patrick Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:
The railway bridge at this location is the subject of a weight restriction of 10 tonnes. Appropriate signage was previously erected on approaches to this road. Ennis MD will review these measures and where possible erect additional signage in an effort to prevent re-occurrence of this issue.
This item was seconded by Cllr. M. Howard and agreed by all Members.
Cllr P. Murphy thanked Paddy Tiernan for the response. He added that there is an issue here that needs to be addressed, this railway bridge creates mayhem for local traffic, drivers often have no option but to reverse back out, causing further congestion.
Cllr Howard supported this Motion.
Item 16: Correspondence
Item 17: Any Other Business
- Cllr Baker Bashua wished to thank everybody involved for making ‘Christmas in Ennis’ such a great occasion, that it had been fantastic to see the lights and notice the extra footfall, it was a collective effort and very positive. Cllr Howard thanked the executive for the ‘Switching on Lights event’, which had been a great success with a quality musical offering from The Circus Ponies. Cllr Murphy wished to be associated with credit for the work on Christmas, and was sorry to have missed the ‘Switching on the Lights event’.
- Cllr Howard offered condolences to the family of the late Noel Crowley R.I.P, ex Clare County Librarian who was responsible for the creation of ‘The Ennis Sculpture Trail’ and who has been hailed as a true visionary.
- Cllr Murphy offered condolences to the family of the late Mary Brodie R.I.P., Ballyogan, Barefield, mother to Cathal and mother-in-law to former Councillor, Ann Norton. Mary had been very much welcomed back to the Fine Gael family following the recent General Election!
- Cllr O’Callaghan was delighted to report that Black Friday was deemed a great success for Ennis, the streets were clean and inviting. He had the occasion to take ex-Senator Daly on a walk around town who had paid many compliments to the town.
- Cllr Baker Bashua added that Cllr Murphy had made up for missing the Ennis Switching Event by being present for the Clarecastle event which was a great success and she added that it was incumbent on all to keep the magic of the season going into the new year.
- Sean Lenihan reminded all that the Christmas festival is continuing, with the “Santa Train” coming up this weekend and again from December 20th-22nd. Donations will be distributed to the four chosen charities 1) Ennis Voices for Autism 2) Ábalta Special School 3) Clare Crusaders 4) Sláinte and Chláir.
- Sean Lenihan briefed the meeting that the Part VIII application for additional parking for Gort Road industrial estate had been approved by the full Council on 9th December so will now go forward for planning which is a very positive step for parking provision in the municipal district.
- Carmel Kirby, Director of Service, thanked the Ennis M.D. team for the work undertaken for ‘Christmas in Ennis’ and especially by the outdoor crews.
- Carmel Kirby issued a request to all and in particular to the media to put the message out to Shop Local, Shop in Ennis and to ask friends and relatives to do so also. She wished everybody a very happy Christmas.
- Carmel Kirby congratulated outdoing Chief Executive Pat Dowling for the huge contribution he has made to Clare during his term and she wished him every success in his future. She advised that she takes on the role of interim Chief Executive in the new year. She congratulated Sean Lenihan on being appointed to the post of Acting Director of Service.
Conclusion
The meeting ended at 16:10hrs.
Signed: ____________________________ Riarthóir Cruinnithe
Signed: _____________________________ Cathaoirleach
Date: _____________________________
Page last reviewed: 21/01/25
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