This article is from page 21 of the 2011-05-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
THE Office of Public Works (OPW) has been urged to abandon plans to develop river walkways near a housing estate in Ennis.
The OPW has informed Ennis Town Council of its intention to build a new footpath and handrail as part of the River Fergus (lower) certified drainage scheme.
According to the OPW, reinforced concrete floodwalls with natural limestone cladding will be constructed along the visible faces, along the left riverbank in the Fergus Park to Knox’s bridge. Works will also include the reinstatement of surrounding ground, while all existing surface water outfalls are to be fitted with a tidefex valve.
However concerns have been raised over a walkway running so close to houses. Speaking yesterday, Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) said locals were concerned that the walkway could introduce an element of “anti-social behaviour” to the area. He warned that it might make easily for people to “casually stroll into the back of people’s homes”.
“I suggest that we re-think that element of the works,” he added.
Cllr Meaney made the comments at yesterday’s meeting of councillors in the Ennis West Electoral Area, where Cllr Tony Mulqueen (FG) requested a statutory update on the flood relief scheme. He said residents and land owners in Fergus Park and Cappahard were anxious to know when the works will begin.
Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, told the meeting that it was anticipated that work would begin in September.
He said he would organise a system whereby local people could get relevant information from the OPW.
Cllr Mulqueen criticised the fact that there it had been an almost two year delay in starting the works.
“It will almost be the anniversary of the floods in 2009,” he added.
Town manager Ger Dollard said that both the Council and the OPW were anxious to see the project progress as soon as possible.