This article is from page 16 of the 2012-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
CLARE County Council has been urged to consult with landowners requesting their cooperation for a walking path around Ballyalla Lake.
The proposal was put forward at yesterday’s meeting of councillors in the Ennis West Electoral Area.
Cllr Brian Meaney (GP), who put forward the motion, told the meeting that he was not expecting the matter to progress quickly.
Cllr Meaney said, “However, this would be a first step to write to landowners to see if they would be willing to make land available.”
According to Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, a number of issues have to be considered in the context of any development at Ballyalla.
These include funding to compensate private landowners in the area and to construct the walking path. He stated that the majority of land around the lake is in private ownership.
Mr O’Dea added, “Different levels to which the lakes rise at different times of the year would cause difficulties at the exact location of the pathway.”
Cllr Meaney said water level problems could be overcome though the use of elevated walkways.
Cllr Tom McNamara (FF) told the meeting that a great opportunity existed to develop Ballyalla.
He said the project should initially focus on improving footpaths and toilet facilities while a playground should also be considered.
He said that by working alongside a local community group, the council could seek 75 per cent of the project costs through the LEADER programme.
Cllr McNamara added, “Something like this would really lift the area.”
It has previously been proposed that the next Ennis Development Plan contain provision for a land corridor linking Ballyalla with the Lees Road Sports and Amenity Facility.