This article is from page 10 of the 2013-05-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
THERE have been calls for public walkways to be developed along the River Fergus while work is underway on a major flood defence project in the town.
Work on the estimated € 7.1 million project from Bank Place Bridge to Doora Bridge has already commenced at locations around Ennis town centre.
It is anticipated that the works will take approximately 18 months to complete and will lead to the protection of 849 residential and 425 nonresidential properties on completion.
Defences including enhanced river walls, pumping stations and new drainage systems are included in the project, which is aimed at protecting Ennis against a 100-year flood event. Among the feature of the project is the installation of a pumping station in the park in front of Ennis Courthouse.
The issue of walkways was raised at yesterday’s meeting of councillors in the Ennis East electoral area.
In a motion, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) stated that, subject to agreement with residents and landowners, walking and cycling paths could be put in place along the bank of the River Fergus.
He said this could be done in conjunction with the current flood protection works from Bank Place to Doora Bridge.
He added, “If this path was constructed it could ultimately be continued down to Clarecastle, linking the village with Ennis.”
Cllr Flynn told the meeting that the planned car park development near Cusack Park could create an opportunity for a river walk in the area.
Senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea stated that the provision of walkways on the river embankments would be separate project from the Lower Fergus Certified Drainage Scheme.
He continued, “The new embankments will have a wider embankment crown than the previous embankment. Environmental assessments, consultation with landowners / residents adjacent to the embankments, risk assessments formal public consultation process and funding stream will be required for this project.”
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Daly (FF), and Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) both welcomed the proposal. Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said the Gardaí may not permit a public walkway so close to the Garda station.
Cllr Flynn also requested that regular meetings be held by the Contractor Wills Brothers Ltd with public businesses and residents affected by works.
In reply, Eamon O’Dea stated that the OPW Lower Fergus Certified Drainage contract provides for a community liaison person for the OPW and the contractor.
He continues, “The community liason persons have been in contact with householders and businesses. They recently met with businesses in the Newbridge Road and Abbey Street car park and further meetings are being arranged with residents and businesses.”
Council officials have also met with the contractor.