This article is from page 11 of the 2012-02-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
ENNIS Town Council has said it does not have land available to give to sports clubs to develop facilities.
With clubs in Ennis seeking to develop their own playing grounds, a local councillor had urged the council to make any surplus lands available.
In a motion submitted to the February meeting of Ennis Town Council, Cllr Johnny Flynn called on, “Ennis Council to request Clare County Council, a la recent decision with regard to the site at Doora, consider making available portions of any suitable surplus lands in Environs area similarly available to Ennis Rugby Club, Avenue United soccer club, Ennis Town and other clubs who have the ability and can demonstrate the capacity to build much needed additional facilities.”
He added, “Some of these clubs, I understand, made previous such applications/approaches to one or both local authorities.”
In his response, Town Clerk Leonard Cleary, pointed to the council’s significant investment in “flagship facilities” such as Lees Road.
However he said that the council does not have surplus land available to distribute to clubs.
He stated, “Ennis Town Council recognizes the important role that sports clubs play in the everyday health and quality of life of residents and visitors to Ennis. In this regard, the council has invested in the development of flagship facilities at Lees Road, Ennis Leisure Centre, Tim Smyth Park, Glenina, Cloughleigh, and Coote Park. Some government grant support has also been provided which has enabled the local authority to develop these facilities.”
Mr Cleary regarded, “This is a major capital investment in sports in Ennis town and requires significant council budget provision to meet operational costs of these facilities. Further developments are planned at these sites, subject to available resources. Ennis Town Council is aware of a number of sports clubs currently seeking to identify a suitable site, but does not currently have a suitable landbank for consideration in this regard.”
The matter was discussed at last week’s council meeting with on councillor suggesting the sporting clubs in the county look to NAMA when it emerged that there was no local authority lands available for sporting amenities.
“Can we get a list of lands from NAMA and put the clubs on to them,” asked Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) who was reacting to indications from town manager Ger Dollard that the local authority had no surplus lands available.
“I am not sure that Clare County Council has a surplus of lands available.”
He added that while the town council should contact the more senior local authority to request any such lands for sporting clubs, he did not want to give false hope.