This article is from page 16 of the 2013-05-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A GREATER focus on environmentally-friendly water-based activities at Ballyalla Lake could create opportunities for employment around Ennis, a meeting has heard.
Rowing clubs and businesses involved in water sports were among those to address a public meeting called to discuss issues concerning the future of Ballyalla Lake.
Ennis-based businessman John Dillane said anything that provides employment for young people in Ennis must be encouraged.
He said, “We’re coming into a time of the year where students are going to be looking for summer jobs and there are very few out there…A lot of things could be done around Ballyalla to generate summer employment.
Mr Dillane, a former President of Ennis Chamber, added, “It is extremely important that we do something that will create jobs for young people in the town.”
Alan Coote of Clare Kayak Hire told the meeting that there is demand for a water sports centre near Ennis.
He explained, “At the minute everything seems to be up around Lahinch. There is nothing in the town. I see people doing kayak trips in Corofin, Inchiquinn but I really think there is a need in Ennis for a water sports centre.”
Mr Coote, who runs kayak and stand up paddleboat classes, said any increased activity would not impact on the wildlife in the area.
He said, “There would be no motors, no pollution. The noise would be minimal for wildlife and people around the area. I think there is an opportunity to create jobs. In Ennis it could be all year around with the schools. There are around 5,000 school kids in Ennis. I talked to a good few people who said they have to factor in the cost of travelling for school trips. They would rather there was something in the town.
“Everything I’m talking about doing is going to be real eco-friendly. There isn’t going to be any noise pollution. We won’t be going in around where the birds are,” added Mr Coote.
Síle Ní Dheargáin is the co-founder of the popular Clarecastle-based Fergus Rowers Club
Ms Ní Dheargáin said access to Ballyalla has been hugely beneficial for the club.
She said, “Every Saturday we have Ballyalla Lake taken over from 11am to 3pm in the day. We have the two boats going constantly. We have one senior rower out on the boat, training them in. It’s a really safe environment; there are no currents. In Clarecastle there is a tidal aspect so you need that bit more experience to bring in boats when the tide is going out.”
Ms Ní Dheargáin said Ballyalla could be improved from a water sports perspective by the addition of secure storage space for boats and other facilities such as handrails and a pontoon.