This article is from page 20 of the 2012-05-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
THERE have been calls for safety measures to be introduced to ensure Ennis doesn’t become the “sheepstealing” capital of Ireland.
It follows concerns raised by the theft of a number of sheep sculptures in Ennis recently.
The May meeting of Ennis Town Council heard that pieces from the ‘Clon Road Fair’ were stolen while they were being transported for repairs.
Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) proposed that the council provide a pen for the remaining sheep. However, the meeting heard that all of the pieces had been stolen.
Cllr Meaney said the sculptures had been subject to constant vandalism since they were installed on the Clon Road. “We shouldn’t give into vandals” he said.
Cllr Meaney said that the pieces cost around € 3,000 each.
He added, “We don’t want the sheepstealing tag attached to Clare.”
Town Clerk Leonard Cleary said that gardaí are investigating the matter. He said an insurance assessment is also being carried out.
Mr Cleary said the council’s existing sculpture budget would go mainly towards maintaining existing pieces around the town.
He said funds are not available for new projects.
Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said that if the sheep are re-installed, then they should be filled with concrete to make them more secure.
Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) said he was against the proposal. He told the meeting that if money is not available for defibrillators, then it should not be available for sheep pens.