This article is from page 17 of the 2011-11-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
THERE have been renewed calls for safety ladders to be provided on walls along the River Fergus.
Clare County Council are seeking a water safety audit from Irish Water Safety on the proposal put forward by local Fine Gael councillor Tony Mulqueen.
In a motion tabled at yesterday’s meeting of councillors in the Ennis West Electoral Area, Cllr Mulqueen called on the council to provide safety chains and ladders “on the new wall constructed along the River Fergus”.
Cllr Mulqueen told the meeting that he had raised the matter 12 months ago and was not satisfied with the level of progress so far.
He explained that given the height of the river walls and the strength of water flow, it is his “fear that someone will fall into the river”. Cllr Mulqueen said that while improved flood defences near Parnell Street are excellent, ladders and safety chains should have been included as part of the Office of Public Work’s Ennis Main Drainage Scheme. “Are we waiting for an accident to happen,” he added.
Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, stated that the council are seeking a water safety audit from Irish Water Safety. He continued, “It is anticipated that this will be carried out within the next two to three months. The audit will be forwarded to the OPW for their consideration.”
Town manager Ger Dollard said the issue had not been brought to the council’s attention by any other agency. He said the provision of ladders and chains “would appear to be good practice”.
Committee Chairman, Cllr Brian Meaney (GP), urged the council to write to Irish Water Safety.