Minutes of Ennis Municipal District Meeting February 2024

Present:

Councillors attending: 

Councillor P. Daly (Cathaoirleach), Councillor J. Flynn, Councillor P. Murphy, Councillor M. Howard, Councillor C. Colleran-Molloy, Councillor T. O’Callaghan, Councillor A. Norton.

 

Officials attending in person:

Sean Lenihan, Senior Engineer, Paddy Tiernan, Acting Senior Executive Engineer, Niamh O’Connor, Administrative Officer and Meetings Administrator, Lily McInerney, Staff Officer, minutes.

 

Apologies:

Carmel Kirby, Director of Service.

 

Presiding

The Cathaoirleach, Pat Daly presided.  Cllr Daly opened the meeting welcoming all.

 

Votes of sympathy

None.

Item 1: Minutes of January Meeting of Ennis Municipal District

 

Cllr Flynn requested an amendment on page 2, item 2 Matters Arising, (iv) where reference to “special meeting” should be replaced with “a briefing meeting”.   This change would avoid any potential misunderstanding, as the term “special meeting” means a public meeting open to media to attend.

 

Cllr O’Callaghan requested an amendment on commentary under his January Notice of Motion No. 8, to include reference to his seeking clarification regarding disclosure exemption for Ennis 2040 and his concerns that an elected representative would not have access to breakdown of the €2.2m spend to date.

 

Subject to above amendments

a.      Ar moladh Councillor P. Murphy
Cuidithe ag Councillor T. O’Callaghan agus glacadh leis

“That the January 2024 Minutes of Ennis Municipal District be adopted.”

Item 2: Matters Arising

 

• (i) Further to notice of motion regarding consolidation of election posters, Sean Lenihan, SE, reported that a meeting to take the matter forward had been held after the January meeting.  An item of correspondence will be read to Members under item 6.
• (ii) Further to notice of motion No. 3 from January Meeting, Sean Lenihan confirmed that access cards to Buttermarket building have now been arranged for all Members and currently a tender is sought on an intercom system which may also be helpful in this regard.
• (iii) In relation to notice of motion no. 4 and 5, Sean Lenihan confirmed he had spoken with Joe Arkins from Comhaltas, and is to meet again this week regarding how Ennis M.D. can best accommodate Comhaltas for the 50^th Cllr Flynn requested that Comhaltas be given a copy of the adopted minutes.
• (iv) In relation to notice of motion no. 7, Sean Lenihan reported that he had spoken to his colleague Shane O’Grady regarding public seating and drawings had been circulated to all Members.   Sean had also requested that Dunnes Stores consider reinstating public seating in the mall.
• (v) Further to Cllr Daly’s notice of motion no. 13 from the December meeting, on securing a future use for the Market Building, Sean Lenihan stated that a briefing meeting had since been arranged.  With regard to the requirement for groups using the facility to indemnify the Council, Sean reported that he had followed up with IPB and awaits an update regarding the potential for an overall insurance/indemnity cover for groups once IPB have liaised with their underwriters.  Cllr Norton stated that the standard public liability insurance cover does not represent an additional cost to groups and most would be aware that insurance is required.  Cllr Flynn reminded the meeting that, in relation to the Market Building, he had requested a copy of the ‘operational management plan’. Sean Lenihan, SE, clarified that to his knowledge, there isn’t a formal Operational & Management plan as such for the Market building in Ennis, rather that all operation, maintenance and management issues are dealt with as they arise and are necessary.  Cllr Flynn responded that in a reply to a previous notice of motion he had been informed that this document existed in August 2017 and that it would be updated annually. Sean agreed to carry out a further check and revert.
• (vi) Sean Lenihan advised members that GMA allocations for approval will now include the name of the proposing Councillor, as requested.  Cllr O’Callaghan suggested that an additional column be included in the listings for approval, specifically for a Member to declare any conflict of interest.  Sean Lenihan confirmed that this process was already in place. Cllr Norton added that the onus is on the Member to declare and that this has always been done correctly at Ennis M.D. meetings.  Acknowledging receipt of GMA allocations for full years 2020-2025 Cllr Flynn supported the call for the addition of a column for those years for the recording of when a member declaring a conflict of interest against a particular allocation and preferably the date of same. Cllr Flynn requested the same report for 2019.

 

• (vii) Cllr Colleran-Molloy voiced concern that the Elected Members of Ennis MD would no longer be collaborating on the allocation of GMA.   She clarified that pooling GMA provided much needed support for festivals and events highlighting that funding for these is now at risk.  She reminded Members that the funding is intended for community groups that need this support to run their activities, and it is not intended for sporting organisations which are already well funded.  Cllr Howard supported this view stating that the GAA have a number of funding sources, they have a licence for lotteries, whereas other groups struggled to stay afloat. Cllr O Callaghan stated that support for local sports organisations with limited financial resources and groups like Slainte An Chlair are important as these groups are integral to the good mental health of the community. Cllr Flynn suggested that going forward these festivals’ commitments are paid out of the commercial rates collected in Ennis, as was the case prior to 2014, thereby leaving GMA allocations from Local Property Tax (LPT) allocations for Councillors to propose to be allocated at MD meetings.
• (viii) Cllr Norton strongly supported the ethos of elected representatives contributing to those groups most in need of support as opposed to favouring a rural or town centre bias.  She added that Ennis members had always collaborated on GMA to achieve optimum benefit for the district.

Item 3: Mayoral Awards 

The following groups will be honoured at a Mayoral awards reception on Friday 1^st March 2024 at Civic Room, Buttermarket, Ennis

 

• U12 Ennis Town Football Club
• St. Michaels Villas’ Choir
• Representatives from Tidy Towns groups in the MD
• Marie Roche, Ennis St John’s Club & community games

 

Ar moladh Cllr. T. O’Callaghan
Cuidithe ag Cllr. M. Howard agus glacadh leis

 

Item 4: General Municipal Allocations for Approval

Members were reminded that if there was a conflict of interest in agreeing funding for proposed organisations, that they may wish to withdraw from the Meeting until after the discussion.  It is recorded that Cllr J. Flynn withdrew from the Meeting during discussion on a newly added item in favour of “Clare Garden Festival”.  Cllr Flynn declared a potential conflict of interest and left the meeting during discussion and decision on a GMA allocation to the Clare Garden Festival.   He clarified that this was due to a very recent connection with a supplier of the Clare Garden Festival. He confirmed that the same conflict did not exist last year when he supported a proposal for funding for the Clare Garden Centre. 

In the interest of transparency, Sean Lenihan, SE, declared his own possible conflict of interest in his capacity as Chairman of Clare LGFA County Board.  He clarified and wished the record to note that he had not requested the contribution to Clare LGFA proposed by Cllr Paul Murphy but was greatly appreciative of it.

 

Ar moladh Councillor A. Norton
Cuidithe ag Councillor P. Murphy agus glacadh leis

“That the following GMA allocations be adopted:

[agreed by all Members with the exception of Cllr. Colleran-Molloy who wished to abstain on the support of this block of donations (refer to item 2 (vii)).]

 

Councillor	Beneficiary	Amount
Cllr Tom O'Callaghan	Slainte an Chláir	€3,000.00
Cllr Tom O'Callaghan	Third Scout Group, Clarecastle	€1,000.00
Cllr Tom O'Callaghan	Michael Cusack Centre	€1,000.00
Cllr Tom O'Callaghan	Eire Og, Ennis	€5,000.00
Cllr Tom O'Callaghan	Clarecastle GAA	€5,000.00
Cllr Tom O'Callaghan	Fern Celtic FC	€1,000.00
Cllr Johnny Flynn	Easter 2024 Piping Festival	€2,500.00
Cllr Johnny Flynn	Eire Og, Ennis - Essential Maintenance or Development of sporting facilities for the community	€2,500.00
Cllr Johnny Flynn	Kiloo Church Restoration CLC - Maintenance & restoration of the of site comprising of Kiloo Church Structure and graveyard	€2,000.00
Cllr Mary Howard	Ennis Men's Shed Tractor Restoration	€1,000.00
Cllr Mary Howard	Colaiste Muire Ennis - new sound equipment	€1,500.00
Cllr Mary Howard	Pantaloons	€3,000.00
Cllr Mary Howard	Barefield National School	€1,000.00
Cllr Mary Howard	Ennis Players	€1,400.00
Cllr Mary Howard	Clare Youth Service	2,000.00
Cllr Mary Howard	Ennis Parish Restoration Project	2,000.00
Cllr Paul Murphy	Clare LGFA	500.00
Cllr Paul Murphy	Clarecastle GAA - astro turf scoreboard	10,000.00
Cllr Ann Norton	Clare Garden Festival	2,500.00
	Total For Approval	€45,900.00
Note : The last 5 items on the list were added at the meeting.

 

Item 5: Notice of Motion No. 1 Ponding in Willow Park Estate

Ar moladh Cllr. J. Flynn
Cuidithe ag Cllr T. O’Callaghan agus glacadh leis

 

“I ask that the hazard of persistent ongoing surface water flooding on sections of the public roads of Willow Park estate, Watery Road and the trip hazards of footpaths be investigated and a suitable remedial programme of works to be carried out this year be included in the upcoming proposed Schedule of Municipal works.”

 

Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

Ennis Municipal District recently carried out an inspection of the Willow Park estate.  It was noted that the vast majority of roads and footpaths within the development remain in an acceptable standard, given the maturity of the estate. However, some minor surface water flooding was found to be present at the lower end of the estate.  Additional gullies will be installed in the coming weeks in order to rectify this drainage issue.  A section of footpath approximately 30m in length was also found to be in need of attention.  It is our intention to include this section of defective footpath in the Schedule of Municipal District works for 2024. 

 

This item was seconded by Cllr. T. O’Callaghan and agreed by all Members.

 

Cllr Flynn acknowledged the positive response, adding that much of the ponding was the result of poorly finished works by Broadband and by Irish Water and he advocated for the residents of this estate who contributed significantly as a group to the local property tax take.

Cllr O’Callaghan supported this motion which was also supported by Cllrs Colleran-Molloy and Howard, Cllr Daly highlighting the prevalence of ponding in the area.  Cllr Norton questioned why a retainer fee is not sought as part of contracting of third parties.  Paddy Tiernan, A/SEE, responded that a road opening licence served that function but that represented a cost to the applicant and he confirmed that all completed works must meet a H&S standard.

 

 

Item 6: Notice of Motion No. 2 Road at Ballybeg to take in charge

Ar moladh Cllr. C. Colleran-Molloy
Cuidithe ag Cllr P. Murphy agus glacadh leis

 

“That the road located 2nd on the right down from the Ballybeg water tower be declared a public road with a view to taking over services in the development. “

 

Ann Colleran, Senior Executive Technician, responded as follows:

• This is not a development that can be taken in charge.
• The only option open to the Residents is for Ennis MD Office to declare the road to be a public road under the provisions in the Roads Act.

 

Cllr Colleran-Molloy asked what course of action needed to be taken in order to put this scheme forward for taking in charge.  Paddy Tiernan outlined the process, firstly the request is made, followed by a public consultation period, advertising in local media and inviting submissions.  The engineer then prepares a recommendation report, taking submissions into consideration and taking account of the existing state of roads and footpaths.  Members then make a decision based on the recommendation report, after which a confirmation is placed in local media.  He highlighted also that this is a series of one-off housing rather than an estate, and with issues regarding cables and potentially new ducts required for public lighting, there would be a prohibitive cost to the local authority to bring it to an acceptable standard. These issues would not favour a recommendation for taking this area in charge.

Cllr Murphy supported the motion, noting that many residents are there over 40 years without services and Cllr Howard added that the Brothers of Charity are operating one of the properties without public lighting.   Cllr O’Callaghan questioned whether a local improvement scheme would be appropriate.  Cllrs Flynn and Daly also supported this Motion, Cllr Daly highlighting that people had paid well for these houses.

 

Sean Lenihan clarified that as the houses in question are essentially rural one-off housing, there is most likely no remaining bond that can be availed of and that whilst a local improvement scheme would not qualify, there may be potential for some community involvement scheme funding, this would require a contribution from the householders and Cllr Colleran-Molloy agreed to check if the householders would be willing to take on this expense.  She also requested an approximate costing and Paddy Tiernan confirmed that it would be in the tens of thousands, particularly if ducts for public lighting had to be replaced.

 

 

Item 7: Notice of Motion No. 3 Riverdale Clon road - maintenance

Ar moladh Cllr. M. Howard
Cuidithe ag Cllr T. O’Callaghan agus glacadh leis

 

“Riverdale on Clon Road    

The houses were built in 1987, and there has been no maintenance work done on the area since then.  I request that Ennis MD :-

1. Gullies need cleaning.  
2. Sewer manhole concrete surround needs repair.  
3. Footpath very uneven.   
4. Tarmac needs to be replaced as there are several potholes and car parking spaces needs to be clearly defined. 
5. Green area needs immediate attention as its completely overgrown.”

 

Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

Riverdale Estate was taken in charge by Ennis Urban District Council in January 1993. The Managers Order issued during this process specifically excludes the open space within the estate. The open space remains the responsibility of the original developer of the site.

Ennis MD wish to advise that we have recently carried out some works within the estate including the filling of potholes and cleaning of gullies. We have also upgraded some of the footpaths near the entrance. The remainder of the footpaths within the estate were found to be at an acceptable standard and we do not envisage a requirement for further works at this time.

With regard to the road surface and car parking spaces we found that an intervention is required.  EMD will endeavour to include the upgrade of the entire road surface (resurfacing method likely to be Ralumac) in the Schedule of Municipal District Works 2024.

 

 

Cllr Howard acknowledged the response and commended the works undertaken but noted the poor state of road surface and that this is the first time any resident of this estate has approached a Councillor looking for assistance.  Cllr O’Callaghan supported this Motion and as it is a mature estate, it would be positive if Council could liaise with developer to get results.  Cllr Flynn supported and recommended any works that may help, especially as there is an existing difficulty whereby some residents are not cooperating in terms of upkeep of the green area.

 

Item 8: Notice of Motion No. 4 Finanagh Junction road safety

Ar moladh Cllr. P. Murphy
Cuidithe ag Cllr A. Norton agus glacadh leis

“That Ennis Municipal District urgently seek funding to address road safety issues (bad sightlines) at Finanagh Junction (locally known as Frank Lynch's Cross) on the Ennis to Quin Road. This is a busy junction that is used to access the Motorway and is also adjacent to the very busy St. Joseph's GAA facility at Gurteen. There is a high frequency of accidents at this location and this needs to be addressed.”

 

Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

Ennis MD wish to remind, that improvements were carried out at this junction in 2015 under a Low-Cost Safety Scheme. These works included the improvement of sight lines at the approach from Doora village. The scheme included land acquisitions and the setting back of boundary walls on the Quin Road.  We are confident that current sight lines at this junction are adequate. However, we acknowledge that they could be compromised by overgrowth in the setback areas. Hence the maintenance of this area will be increased going forward.

 

Notwithstanding the above we are aware of recent accidents at this junction. Ennis MD will liaise with the Road Design department in order to carry out a full assessment of the junction with a view to installing increased safety measures where appropriate. We will also make contact with An Gardai Síochána in order to determine the probable cause of the recent incidents at this junction.

 

 

Cllr Murphy acknowledged the response, advising that he had liaised with Superintendent John Ryan. It is accepted that there has been some material damage done over the years and signage is not always working.  The low-cost safety measure to pull the junction back was beneficial at the time but the hazard remains, and this issue will be compounded by the school’s plan to move to the Gurteen GAA grounds.  Cllr Norton supported the motion, highlighting the increased traffic and potential hazard when the school relocates.

 

All Members supported this motion and it was noted that although the junction has improved since earlier years, it still represented a safety hazard with speeding traffic and that some safety measures were appropriate, particularly given Doora’s village zoning status.

 

Paddy Tiernan acknowledged the poor visibility and awkward angle at the junction and that one of the signs is subject to regular vandalism.  He informed the meeting that a county wide tender is out at the moment and that traffic lights and roundabouts whilst not common in such areas, are not impossible either.  He advised that the Roads Design Office will be asked to look at the potential to improve safety at the junction.  Cllr Murphy, in conclusion, highlighted the absence of a Road Safety Officer which is regrettable as this officer would have highlighted cases like these in the past.

 

Item 9: Notice of Motion No. 5 Drumcliff Road water ponding

Ar moladh Cllr. A. Norton
Cuidithe ag Cllr M. Howard agus glacadh leis

“I am requesting that Ennis MD look at the Drumcliff Road to see if the pooling of water on the road be alleviated especially close to John O Sullivan Park Lees Road.”

 

Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

Ennis MD will undertake a review of the drainage infrastructure on Drumcliffe Road with a view to solving the issues highlighted. We will also carry out an inspection of road gullies and ensure they are adequately serviced and cleaned.

 

 

Cllr Norton acknowledged the response, having recently observed walkers and passers-by unable to avoid the pooled surface water as they approached the amenity.  Cllrs Howard, O’Callaghan and Flynn supported the motion. 

 

 

 

Item 10: Notice of Motion No. 6  St. Patrick’s Day in Ennis

Ar moladh Cllr. T. O’Callaghan
Cuidithe ag Cllr J. Flynn agus glacadh leis

                                                                       

“In light of ongoing road works I call Ennis Municipal District urgently progress a comprehensive plan ensuring St Patrick s Day Celebrations will be a success ensuring much needed economic activity is benefiting our Ennis Town businesses.” 

 

Seán Lenihan, Senior Engineer, responded as follows:

As always, the successful running of the St Patricks Day Parade is a high priority for the Ennis MD staff involved. The roadworks this year on O’Connell Street and High Street add a new dimension to the normal preparation that requires to be done and we are already in liaison with the Contractor and our Colleagues in the PMO to identify any measures that can be done to assist. The Parade route will again be up Abbey Street and turning right into Bank Place so we have asked that the cordons in O’Connell Square be moved back as close to the top of O’Connell Street as possible to facilitate the crowd that will congregate there as their vantage point. We have also asked that the site fencing and any localised site signage be checked and secured in advance.  Shareridge Ltd have committed to having a presence on the ground on the day to deal with any related issues.

 

In terms of the parade itself, Members will have seen the notice in last week’s local media.  The theme this year is Remembering the past, Embracing the future and we hope to see a large number of schools, clubs, organisations and businesses get involved.  It would be particularly great to see the vintage car, tractor, motorcycle and bicycle communities participate and also Bands or other Music or Drama groups performing on floats would be absolutely brilliant.  To reiterate, Ennis MD are absolutely committed to making it one of the best Parades for people to enjoy and as the Motion suggests, for the Businesses to benefit from.  We would welcome all ideas and suggestions to  ennismunicipaldistrict@clarecoco.ie and look forward to working with all to make it a success.  Thank you.

 

 

 

Cllr O’Callaghan referenced the significance of the national holiday and how Ennis M.D. can work to maximise the ability for the public and businesses to celebrate given the detraction posed by the current closure of O’Connell Street and its effect on businesses, many of whom regard St. Patrick’s Day as a key date in their annual schedule.

 

Cllr Flynn supported this motion and commented on his own research with local businesses, 60% of whom, he stated, deemed their business adversely affected by the O’Connell Street closure.  He also highlighted the difficulty of the current narrow pathways and difficulty accessing shops.

Cllr Daly stated that St. Patrick’s Day is always a success in Ennis and he reminded Members of the positive outcome of public realm completion in Parnell Street and which can be expected also for O’Connell Street.  Cllr O’Callaghan, in conclusion, stated that it was incumbent on elected members to vouch for some form of financial support or rates waiver for businesses currently affected by the public realm works.

 

 

Item 11: Notice of Motion No. 7 Businesses closing in Ennis

Ar moladh Cllr. P. Daly
Cuidithe ag Cllr C. Colleran-Molloy agus glacadh leis

 

“I call on Ennis M.D. to seek out how many businesses have closed in the town of Ennis over the past 5 years, to investigate what types of businesses are closing, why they are closing, what action can be taken to prevent further closures or the possibility of Ennis M.D. attracting new businesses in the town that could replace these closures.”

 

Candace Ingram, A/Senior Executive Planner, responded as follows:

Clare County Council Planning Department has completed an annual Ennis Town Centre Health Check each year between 2017 and 2022. The survey took place in September of each year and recorded the use of ground floor building space in Ennis Town Centre. The findings are presented in overall fashion for the town centre, and also on a street-by-street basis, which allows for identifying and monitoring the predominant uses, underrepresented uses and vacant units on each street within the town centre. The results for 2020, 2021 and 2022 are directly comparable in terms of the categorisation of uses and the extent of the area that is covered. The following table illustrates the results but note that the Health Check survey relates only to the ground floor use of buildings in the town centre. Each Ennis Town Centre Heath Check booklet presents the findings of the survey on a street-by-street basis for the entire town centre. Copies of the booklet are available from the Clare County Council Planning Department.

 

 

Additionally, Clare County Council incentivise development of vacant, derelict and opportunity sites in town/village centres through the application of a reduced development contribution as set out in the Council’s Development Contribution Scheme.

 

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at LEO, responded as follows:

The supports provided by Local Enterprise Office Clare are also available to all businesses in the town of Ennis. In recent weeks 16 businesses are participating in a programme titled “Dealing with Business Disruption” aimed at providing businesses with advice and guidance to address the current public realm works. In addition, businesses can avail of the LEAN programme which is aimed at reducing costs and making a business more efficient. All businesses can also avail of free mentoring support.

 

 

Cllr Daly welcomed the extensive research undertaken and that it was regrettable to see businesses closing and to have ground-floor shops with no business happening at the second level, that this situation should be monitored and any assistance possible to be provided to these businesses. 

Cllr Colleran-Molloy commented on what she called some interesting statistics provided in the response, in particular she noted the difficulty Ireland has in attaining residential living in town centres compared to European counterparts.  

During her own audit, she found 16 empty units in town despite the country being in almost full employment and she would also support any alleviation of rates proposed for businesses. She noted the positivity of the proposed residential development in Francis Street which would provide for up to 39 new families and the positives also with introduction of health and medical units since 2020.  

She added that many businesses wished to move to a new narrative rather than focussing on the negative and she thanked the Local Enterprise Office for the excellent counsel provided to struggling businesses.  Cllr Howard commented on the increase in restaurants yet decrease in pubs and that retail had taken a downturn.   She lamented the current shopping trend of browsing locally and then purchasing the item on-line.  Cllr O’Callaghan highlighted the loss of 10 no. businesses, and he drew comparisons with Kildare village and Westport where businesses were concentrated in the centre and adequate parking was provided.

 

Cllr Norton commended the notice of motion and informative response.  As a self-employed person for many years, she herself had opted for use of 2^nd and 3^rd floor units and businesses should be made aware of the lower rent and rates associated with them. She stated many businesses close for personal reasons and that it was important to focus on the positive narrative for the sake of the success of the town as negative press can be very off putting.  Cllr Flynn outlined how a clear picture has emerged on the downturn of business activity, and his research showing that 60% of customers prefer streets open, 68% felt safer with streets open.  Increased security should be looked at for the current situation where only narrow hoarded footpaths are available on large segments of the main street in the town.

 

Cllr Daly, in conclusion, welcomed the healthy debate on the commercial life of Ennis and he commended the work of Local Enterprise Office who have played a key supportive role.

 

Sean Lenihan, SE, advised the meeting that he had talked to a wide cohort of people and that many are happy with the current developments in Ennis.  While a lot of the narrative is about a rates increase, the reality in Ennis is that the majority of businesses have seen a reduction.  While it is accepted that rates have increased and in fact doubled in the case of some of the larger businesses, factors such as rises in inflation, rent and particularly, energy costs, have had a prohibitive effect on businesses in the town.  Sean urged that despite being in the midst of a major construction project in the short to medium term, it was important to present a positive message that Ennis is a beautiful town, all businesses are accessible as before and that it is absolutely open and ready for business. 

 

 

Item 12: Notice of Motion No. 8 River Fergus Walkway accessibility

Ar moladh Cllr. C. Colleran-Molloy
Cuidithe ag Cllr P. Murphy agus glacadh leis

 

“River Fergus Walkway

 

(1) That a review of the entry points be made to determine how best to address the needs of people on wheelchairs to access the walkway. It appears that the Clareabbey entry is too steep & there is no availability for parking at the Quin Road entry point.

(2) That a doggie poop bin or bins be provided on this walkway.”  

 

Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

(1) Elected Members are reminded that Ennis Municipal District recently installed safety gates at the Quin Road end of this walkway. This project was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Community Recognition Fund 2023.  A primary objective of the project was to reduce the likelihood of children running directly onto the road from the walkway. During the design of the gates, we liaised extensively with a member of the disabled community in order to ensure this end of the walkway would be fully accessible to all users including those in wheelchairs. We are glad to report that this objective was achieved.

 

Unfortunately, the existing topography and difference in ground levels at the Clareabbey end of the walkway pose difficulties from a wheelchair accessibility point of view. The installation of a wheelchair access that would be compliant with modern standards would be extremely costly. It would prove very difficult to develop a business case to secure the level of funding required especially considering the walkway is fully accessible from the Quin Road end. We would recommend wheelchair users continue to the access from Quin Road. 

 

With regard to parking - specific parking for the walkway has not been provided at the Quin Road entrance. However, there are multiple parking options in both private and public locations within a couple of hundred meters of the entrance. The walkway can be easily accessed on foot from any of these locations using existing public footpaths.

 

(2) Ennis MD in conjunction with Clarecastle Tidy Towns recently installed additional anti-litter and anti-dog fouling signage at the Clareabbey Walkway. The signage serves to remind the general public and dog owners of their responsibilities with respect to litter and dog-fouling.  Unfortunately, Ennis MD are not currently in a position to install doggie poop bins at this site. We would have difficulty servicing this site at this time, given the distance from our normal street cleaning and litter bin maintenance route.  We would appeal to all users of this fantastic walkway to take their litter home and for dog owners to act responsibly.

 

 

Cllr Colleran-Molloy thanked Cllr Murphy and Sean Lenihan for their past endeavours to get this river walkway up and running and it was important to remember that this originated in a flood relief scheme presenting an opportunity for a walkway.  She thanked Paddy Tiernan for all efforts made to ensure safety for children and those with disability and she lamented the bad behaviour of the few in failing to clean up after their dogs.  Cllr Murphy supported this Motion stating how important it was to have accessibility to all amenities.   He also vouched for the safety of this amenity, having often walked it, even as late as 10:30pm.

 

All Members supported the Motion, commending the safety of the river walkway, the advantage for those with disabilities, the need for more signage and for litter bins and the need to curb dog waste.

 

 

 

 

Item 13: Notice of Motion No. 9  Disability Parking Parnell Street

Ar moladh Cllr. A. Norton
Cuidithe ag Cllr T. O’Callaghan agus glacadh leis

 

“Parnell Street is a very busy car park with a number very important businesses e.g. GP’s Surgeries, Pharmacies, Solicitors offices. These services are used by all walks of life including elderly people and people with disabilities. I am asking that a survey is done to ensure that disability parking is adequate and that people using these parking spaces have access to footpaths without having to walk considerable distance to get onto a footpath. Also, I would also ask that the traffic wardens maintain a close eye on these parking spaces as people are using them with Blue Discs.”

 

Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

The parking layout was designed in the early 2000s providing five universal access spaces of which three are at the ends of the central section facing the river and two at the ends facing the rear of Parnell Street. The purpose of the locations was to provide access to Parnell Street and adjacent areas via Salt House Lane or Enright’s Bow. The parking provided a drop kerb to the side of the space and the route from the central section of the car park crosses the carpark and taxi rank roads to access Parnell Street. The universal access parking is 8% of the parking provision and the present recommended provision is 5% in the County Development Plan.  The layout was as per early 2000 guidelines and new universal access provision would be located on the Parnell Street side and where feasible have direct access to the footpath areas. Ennis MD have brought your Notice of Motion to the attention of the Traffic Section and Wardens.

 

 

Cllr Norton acknowledged the response and highlighted again that people with disabilities regularly use the health facilities in this area and that she wished to also raise awareness of the misuse of disability parking spaces of those without a medical card.

Cllr O’Callaghan supported the motion and made reference to the loss of some parking spaces in Abbey Street carpark.  Cllrs Howard, Daly and Flynn also supported this Motion, Cllr Daly voicing his long-held view that the taxi-rank would be better positioned elsewhere which would free up more spaces, Cllr Flynn highlighted that the town centre is not just a retail centre and that there are 30 medical primary care outlets in town centre relying on customers being able to get to them.  

Sean Lenihan confirmed that he would discuss with Road Design if the  ‘Click & Collect’ and “Priority Parking” marked spaces could now be redesignated as normal carparking spaces and available to all. 

 

 

Item 14: Notice of Motion No. 10  Ballaghfadda water ponding.

Ar moladh Cllr. T. O’Callaghan
Cuidithe ag Cllr J. Flynn agus glacadh leis

 

“Ballyaghfadda Kildysart Road

Currently the roadside is holding significant water that is a danger to all users and appreciate immediate investigation also the footpath is unfinished for many years that is a safety risk to pedestrians each day, that warrant a completion.”

 

Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

Ennis MD recently inspected this area and carried out an assessment of the condition of the existing road, set-back areas and verge. Whilst some pooling of water was found to be present this is very minor in nature. The road edge is well defined and has the benefit of edge road markings. Any pooling of water encountered during our inspection was within the gravel set-back area and not on the road surface. We note that this area is also well serviced by several road gullies. We will continue to monitor the issue during rainfall events and will intervene if necessary.

 

Unfortunately, we would not be able to justify the extension of the footpath at this location at this time.   Currently the focus of Ennis MD is on existing footpaths and linkages where there is a high level of footfall such as town centre locations and larger housing estates. Funding and resource constraints have to be considered to ensure the maximum benefit is achieved. However, Members will be aware that Clare County Council recently invited Expressions of Interest for the council owned lands at Ballaghafadda located to the south of the area in question. It is expected these lands will be developed into an amenity site in the near future. Such a development will include the extension of the existing footpath thus ensuring all properties within the 50kmph speed limits have access to a public footpath. 

 

 

Cllr O’Callaghan requested that Paddy Tiernan review again.  He stated that funding constraints should not be an issue for what communities are entitled to and that residents are concerned about how their quality of life is being impacted by the deterioration in the area; he also pointed out that the gravel set back is in Council ownership and this area is being used for cars to park on.    Cllr Flynn supported.

 

Cllr Murphy countered that he could not see the practicality of this request at this time as the current footpath is part of a larger upcoming project and that the area had been vastly improved by works in the past by executive engineer Barry Conway.  He stated that once the works are finished, that is the more opportune time to seek to finish footpaths. 

 

Cllr O’Callaghan concluded by confirming it was local residents who requested the works.

Paddy Tiernan confirmed that there are adequate gulleys and functioning drainage at the site. 

 

 

 

 

Item 15: Notice of Motion No. 11 Removal of armadillos on Cycle Lane Clonroadmore.

Ar moladh Cllr. P. Daly
Cuidithe ag Cllr T. O’Callaghan ach níor glacadh leis

[The record notes that this Notice of Motion was withdrawn.]

             

“After speaking to many motorists, residents and pedestrians at Clonroadmore, I ask Ennis M.D. to consider removing one side of the cycle lane, the bollards and armadillos, on the road from Eire Og GAA grounds to St. Flannan’s College, mainly due to health and safety grounds on a daily basis.”

 

Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

Ennis MD wish to advise that the current cycle lanes on Clonroadmore will be upgraded as part of the Clarecastle to Ennis Active Travel Scheme. This project will be the next to be undertaken following the completion of the Tulla Road Cycle Scheme. The Clarecastle to Ennis scheme will be designed to modern standards with all existing bollards and armadillos removed. These will not be replaced.

 

The existing cycle scheme received Section 38 approval in October 2018 and was installed by Clare County Council in 2019 under a Low-Cost Safety Scheme. Prior to the implementation of the scheme significant speeding issues were identified with over 50% of vehicles on Clonroadmore travelling in excess of 50 kmph. The main purpose of the scheme was to reduce vehicular speed and create a safe space for vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians. The current scheme has achieved these goals. The removal of any or all of the elements of the current scheme at this time is likely to result in increased traffic speed leading to potential accidents.  

 

Anthony Considine, Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

The Active Travel Office are progressing the Preliminary Design Phase of the Clarecastle to Ennis Active Travel Scheme. Clonroadmore forms part of the scheme extents and will be incorporated into the Preliminary Design Phase of this Project. The proposed design will go through a Section 38 Statutory Process in the coming months. Pending approval of the scheme and following on from the Detailed Design Phase, it is anticipated that Construction will begin in Q2 of 2025.

 

 

Cllr Pat Daly reiterated that the road which served 6 estates and a very large population generally was too narrow for the bollards and armadillos and that cyclists should be adequately accommodated by using just one side of this road.  Cllr O’Callaghan supported this Motion stating that whilst it is important to facilitate cycling, the road is not appropriate and danger is created especially at night.  Cllr Flynn supported this motion, reporting that one local resident has had cost incurred in repair to his vehicle due to the tight junction.

 

Cllr Murphy strongly opposed the motion and requested that it be withdrawn. He advocated for the cycle lane which both St. Flannan’s and the national school currently benefit from. He reminded Members that the design had gone through public consultation in 2017 and had been approved.   The Section 38 put in place in 2018 which was welcomed as a traffic calming measure from St Flannans to Eire Og where significant speeding had become the norm. 

He cited one young student who has safe passage daily between Inis Chlair in Clarecastle to St. Flannans and that this is the type of example elected members should be setting.

 

Cllr Colleran-Molloy agreed with Cllr Murphy’s comments and requested the Motion be withdrawn.  She recalled at the time of the last election, there was pressure on Members to agree to a measure to remedy this hazardous area and locals were in support of the scheme.  She reminded the Meeting of the presentation last year by TY students who clearly presented their wishes for improvements in active and safe modes of travel for students.

 

Cllr Howard referenced the accident where 3 young girls had been knocked down outside what is now the biggest school in Munster.  She stated that elected members are custodians of the district and it is incumbent on them to ensure safe streets for our young.  Cllr Flynn countered that he saw the scheme as littering the road with bollards and armadillos, so he was advocating for the elderly residents.  He advised that a properly segregated cycle way was what he had proposed for this road.

 

Cllr O’Callaghan reminded the meeting that the Motion was not requesting for the scheme to be removed but rather for one side of the cycle lane to be removed.

 

Cllr Daly stated that on this occasion, he would withdraw the motion, but that he would continue to work tirelessly to have the armadillos and bollards removed.

 

The notice of motion was withdrawn.

 

 

Item 16: Notice of Motion No. 12 Flood Risk Zoning Parnell Street Clonroadmore.

Ar moladh Cllr. M. Howard
Cuidithe ag Cllr T. O’Callaghan agus glacadh leis

                                                         

“I request clarification of the status of the flood risk zoning of Parnell St and Woodquay area of the town.”

 

Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, responds as follows.

As outlined in Section 10c Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Clare County Development Plan,

the location would be regarded as being in Flood Zone A in the undefended scenario. The location benefits from fluvial flood protection to 1% AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability). The AEP is the probability, typically expressed as a percentage, of a flood event of a given magnitude being equalled or exceeded in any given year. e.g. a 1% AEP flood event, or 1 in a 100, chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given year.

 

 

Cllr Howard explained the ethos of the Motion was to support those Parnell Street residents and businesses having difficulty getting their flood insurance renewed and that given the recurring heavy rainfall, mapping needs to be redone.

 

Cllr O’Callaghan supported this Motion, adding that insurance companies charge premiums for any area deemed a flood risk, despite relief works having been undertaken.

 

Cllr Flynn supported, highlighting that some €8-€9m had been spent in works between Maid of Erin and Bank Place, yet insurance companies continue to benefit from flood risk cover.  Cllr Daly also supported this motion.

 

Sean Lenihan confirmed that significant flood relief work had been carried out in Ennis in recent years and that many tens of millions spent across the various schemes, namely Ennis North, Ennis Lower and Ennis South.  He advised that the OPW have been asked to carry out further modelling which will inform and result in new Flood Maps for the benefitting areas from the recent schemes.  He confirmed that the insurance industry has been asked to review their risk assessment in areas that now benefit from state invested relief schemes.  We await the remodelling to satisfactorily assure risk underwriters.

 

 

Item 17: Notice of Motion No. 13 Pine Grove Ennis water ponding and footpaths

Ar moladh Cllr. J. Flynn
Cuidithe ag Cllr. T. O’Callaghan agus glacadh leis

“I ask that both the hazard of persistent ongoing surface water flooding on sections of the public roads of Pine Grove estate, Gort Road and the trip hazards of footpaths be investigated and a suitable remedial programme of works to be carried out this  year be included in the upcoming proposed Schedule of Municipal works.” 

 

Paddy Tiernan, A/Senior Executive Engineer, responded as follows:

Ennis MD have carried out an inspection of the Pine Grove estate within the past week. The inspection was carried out during dry weather conditions. Some areas of footpath towards the lower end of the estate were found to be in need of attention.   Remediation works will be programmed and these works will be carried out in the coming months. 

A further inspection will be carried out during the next significant rainfall event in order to identify areas which are subject to surface water flooding.  A plan will be put in place to rectify any issue encountered.

 

 

Cllr Flynn thanked Paddy Tiernan for the response adding that the mix of families in this estate of some 76 no. houses would very much welcome any remedial works.  Cllr O’Callaghan supported the motion, adding that he will be delighted to see the plan coming to fruition.  Cllr Daly commended the response and the remedial works referenced.

 

 

Item 18: Notice of Motion No. 14 Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plant

Ar moladh Cllr. P. Murphy
Cuidithe ag Cllr C. Colleran-Molloy agus glacadh leis

 

“RE CLAREABBEY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT and ongoing foul odours emanating from the facility I am requesting the following information,

1. i) Has the cause of these already reported odour problems been identified yet?
2. ii) If so, what actions are being taken or will be taken to tackle these unpleasant smells and is there a timescale as to how long the general public can expect this to be brought to a conclusion, as it should be in these modern times.

iii) How will this be managed going forward?

1. iv) What has been the capital expenditure on the Treatment Plant upgrade project and re-routing of the sewerage from the Quay Road pumping Station?

I am requesting that this Notice of Motion is passed to Irish Water for their response, in advance of the February monthly meeting.”

 

Deirdre O’Keeffe, Senior Staff Officer, responded as follows:

This request has been referred to Uisce Eireann.  Their response, when received, will be issued to Ennis Municipal District.

 

 

Cllr Murphy thanked Deirdre O’Keeffe for the response and will look forward to the response from Irish Water.

 

 

Item 19: Correspondence

• (i) Niamh O’Connor, Administrative Officer, reported to the meeting that contact had been made, as requested, with Jim Dempsey of Irish Rail, following the recent IBAL report.  She read out the response from Irish Rail which outlined how efforts will be made to improve the situation. Cllr Howard reported that a huge amount of rubbish was removed from the location last Sunday morning by Tidy Towns volunteers.   Agreed to invite Jim Dempsey to the March meeting.
• (ii) Niamh O’Connor, read out the response provided by Jason Murphy A/DOS Social Development to a request for more detail on the County Sport and Recreation Plan.
• (iii) A letter had been received from Ennis Tidy Towns with a request for Ennis Members to agree to a poster-free election.  Cllr Howard on behalf of Tidy Towns, questioned why Ennis M.D. appeared to be going with postering when other districts like East Clare and Shannon came to an agreement to go poster-free. 

 

 

Item 20: Any Other Business

 

• (i) Kilrush Road illegal encampment – piece of correspondence. Sean Lenihan undertook to follow up on the matter. 
• (ii) Cllr Flynn responded to a request seeking clarity as to contact details for the Francis Street Alliance and confirmed that any correspondence to the group could be brought to him in the first instance and he would pass it on to the group.

Sean Lenihan advised that representatives of the Francis Street Alliance had recently met with Directors of Service, Carmel Kirby and Anne Haugh who advised them of what was required from them in order for the Council to further engage with them.  The requested information from the Francis Street Alliance is still awaited.  Cllr Flynn asked if answers to the questions posed could be furnished to him and Sean undertook to revert on the matter.

 

Conclusion

Due to the extensive Agenda, Sean Lenihan, SE, sought agreement from the Members to implement Standing Order no. 69 which allowed the meeting to be extended beyond the usual 2.5hrs timeframe.

 

The meeting ended at 13:30pm.

Signed: ____________________________
Riarthóir Cruinnithe

Signed: _____________________________
Cathaoirleach

Date:                  _____________________________

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