This article is from page 20 of the 2011-06-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
ENNIS Town Council is to contact businesses in the town to request the removal of temporary signs from roads and footpaths.
Town clerk Eddie Power told the June meeting of Ennis Town Council that the number of temporary advertising signs has “increased significantly throughout the town”.
However local councillors have warned against a policy of “absolute regulation”, saying it could harm businesses and create tensions.
Acknowledging that businesses are operating in a difficult economic climate, Mr Power stated, “These signs may cause obstruction to users of the public footpath and they may pose a risk to the personal safety of road users. Furthermore, the town of Ennis has an established record of high achievement in the Tidy Towns com- petition. The number of temporary advertising signs currently visible on the footpaths around the town detract from the image of the town and may have a negative impact on the marks awarded by the tidy towns adjudicators in this national competition.”
He added, “It is intended to contact the relevant businesses responsible for such temporary advertising signage requesting removal of same. It should be noted that the Council has the legal authority to remove such signage if the request is not complied with.” However councillors were skeptical about the policy.
Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said he had not received any complaints about signs. He added, “Do we want to cripple the town altogether.”
Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said, “Businesses find it difficult enough. Where does it end? Does it mean that Jimmy Brohan [local businessman] can’t put goods outside his shop.”
Cllr Peter Considine (FF) urged the Council to pursue a “softly, softly approach”, adding that he was “very nervous of absolute regulation”.
Cllr Considine said that by forcibly removing signs, the Council risked creating unnecessary tensions with the business community. He added, “I would be inclined to let the hare sit.”