This article is from page 2 of the 2006-09-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
RESIDENTS of the Summerhill area in Ennis say they have been made “prisoners in their own homes” by the use of an open area at the rear of Charlie Stewart’s pub in nearby Parnell Street, as a dining area and beer garden.
Ennis Town Council has issued an enforcement notice requesting Charlie Stewarts, “to cease unauthorised use of the beer garden”.
In response to the pub failing to comply with the notice, the council has instituted legal proceedings against the pub.
The council acted after a strong objection from local residents, James and Mary McMahon, who were supported by neighbours in the Summerhill area.
The residents praised “Ennis Town council and An Bord Pleanala for their wise, consistent and far-sighted planning decisions.”
“We regret to say however that to date, they have been completely and utterly ignored and disregarded by the owners of this premises.
“The owners developed the site by fencing off a beer garden, erecting outdoor furniture to facilitate drinking and continued to use the fire exit as access for drinking and smoking.
“In acting such a manner, they have shown nothing but contempt for the planning process and procedures and have inflicted sheer hell on us, their nearest neighbours.
We have endured excessive noise from a large number of drinkers, shouting, foul language by day and night, all facilitated by use of the fire escape door.
“On weekdays, we have to endure daylong drinking sessions and a large-scale outdoor smoking area.
“In the Summertime, our back gardens are currently ‘out of bounds’. We cannot enjoy a bit of sun or fresh air without being subjected to the patrons of Charlie Stewarts.”
They say a decision to grant retention to Charlie Stewart’s planning application “would be to perpetuate this absolute torture on us on a permanent basis.
“We are prisoners in our homes, we are deprived of the proper use and enjoyment of our back gardens.”
Last month, Ennis Town Council refused planning permission to Cyril Cusack, Tony Enright, Kieran Gleeson and Gerry Collins to retain the daytime use of a yard, to the rear of Parnell Street.
The four have now appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala stating, “the proposed development consists simply of a small area of yard, which had been utilised during the good weather for external dining.
“It is confirmed, however, that this is not being used at night times for public bar use or beer garden use.”