This article is from page 13 of the 2014-07-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
LOCAL councillors have condemned the vandalism of flower baskets in a residential area of Ennis at the weekend.
A number of baskets were upturned in the Turnpike area on Sunday night. The incident occurred at a time of the year when judging traditionally takes place for the National Tidy Towns competition.
The matter was raised at yesterday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District Committee. Councillor James Breen (Ind) said he wanted to condemn the “mindless vandalism” that occurred in the Turnpike on Sunday night.
He said he hoped the people who committed the damage are found and brought to justice.
Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said he was “appalled” by what happened in the Turnpike on Sunday.
“It was disgraceful, what happened,” he added.
He said he hoped such mindless vandalism would not deter from the efforts of local community groups who are involved in work for the National Tidy Town’s competition.
Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) said she also condemned the vandalism. She questioned if the Ennis MDC had invited the Chief Supt of the Clare Garda Division, John Kerin, to meet with councillors to discuss issues around crime in the town.
Director of Service Ger Dollard told the meeting that gardaí have always been happy to engage and meet with the Council.
Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said it might be possible to arrange a meeting for September.
He said the MDC should also consider establishing a forum similar to the Joint Policing Committees that existed under the old forms of local government.
There were also calls to open gates at Drumcliffe graveyard on Sunday mornings.
Cllr Daly said that many elderly people find it difficult to walk up the graveyard.
Earlier this year, Ennis Town Council revealed it had started to restrict access to the graveyard to prevent vehicles from damaging the graveyards.
There were also reports of anti-social behaviour and intimidation of people visiting the area.
Cllr Mary Howard (FG) told yesterday’s meeting there was some merit to keeping the gates closed.
She said she had witnessed some altercations at Drumcliffe over the last year.
“It can be very frightening there at times,” she added.
Cllr Daly proposed the council consider opening the gates to allow for vehicular access between 11am and 1pm on Sundays.