This article is from page 26 of the 2011-07-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 26 JPG
ENNIS Golf Club has installed a new security system aimed at ensuring greater protection for staff and members in response to recent break-ins at the club.
Members must now type in an access code at the main entrance door in order to gain access to the clubhouse at night. Last year, a group of people gained entry to the clubhouse late at night by cutting a hole in the roof at the rear of the building and into the bar area, where a safe was removed.
Earlier this year, an intruder broke glass in the club shop before gaining access to the dressing room area.
Honourary secretary John Cullinane explained that in light of those recent events and given that staff are often alone in the building at night when they finish work, the club felt it was necessary to improve security.
He explained, “It was done more so for the health and safety of staff. Some nights you might only have one female staff member working alone.” Mr Cullinane added, “We have CCTV to identify members and an alarm system. We were looking at security issues in general for the club house.”
Meanwhile, Mr Cullinane added that members have responded positively by email and letter to Clare County Council’s request for submission to a proposed pedestrian crossing.
Speed ramps have been installed on a section of road near the golf club. The ramps form part of an overall scheme of traffic calming measures, which will include the installation of a pedestrian crossing, linking sections of the golf course.
Ennis Golf Club has contributed € 10,000 to the overall cost of the project, which members say is essential to protect members’ safety.
In May, the council launched a public consultation process with all submissions and/or objections to be submitted by June 24.
Speaking then, Town Engineer Eamon O’Dea that the ramps are necessary to slow traffic ahead of the pedestrian crossing. He said cars often travel at speeds of 70km per hour in an area where the speed limit is 50km per hour.
The measures had been opposed by some councillors who claimed they had caused disruption to motorists.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Cullinane said the gradient of the ramps had been lowered in order to address the concerns of the public. He said the crossing remained dangerous for maintenance staff and golfers, particularly the club’s 200 senior members.
Mr Cullinane added that engineers at both Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council had expressed support for the installation of a pedestrian crossing.