This article is from page 14 of the 2013-12-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
SERIOUS concerns have been expressed over safety measures along the River Fergus.
At yesterday’s monthly meeting of Ennis Town Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said she had been made aware that there was no way for a person who falls into the river to get out.
Cllr Howard said the issue had been highlighted to her on the night of a major search operation around the river earlier this month.
“It was brought to my attention that night, if you fall into the river by accident, you won’t get out of it”, she said.
Cllr Howard raised the issue of safe access in a motion tabled at the meeting. She asked if a health and safety report had been done in relation to current improvement works being carried out on the river between the Maid of Erin and Knox’s Bridge.
“Did this report refer to the safe ac- cess to and from the river at Woodquay / Parnell Street?” queried Cllr Howard. Ennis Town Engineer, Eamon O’Dea said the lower Fergus drainage scheme is an Office of Public Works Project.
Mr O’Dea continued, “An audit was carried out by Irish Water Safety on behalf of Ennis Town Council and this report was forwarded to the OPW in January 2013. Ennis Town Council dealt with all matters raised regarding lifebuoys and items within out control. The OPW design team are assessing the IWS audit.”
“The matter has been raised with the Lower Fergus Certified Drainage Scheme Steering Group in meetings with the Office of Public Works, Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council. I expect that the review of the IWS Audit and recommendations will be forwarded to the Office of Public Works for their consideration early next year,” added Mr O’Dea.
Town Manager Gerard Dollard told the meeting the Council would pursue the issue with the OPW.
Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said while there was some merit to the proposal he said safety ladders and chains could be open to abuse and vandalism.
Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said the proposal was very timely. “The river is moving at a greater speed since being corralled so there is a risk.”
Cllr Howard said there are serious concerns over safety along the river. “If a child falls in and you go in to save them then you can’t get out,” she said.