*Cllr Mark Nestor. Photograph: Eamon Ward
WALKING ROUTES between two of the busiest roads in Ennis must be improved to encourage more people to use alternative means of travel.
Resurfacing to the right of way linking Hazel Lane to Ivy Hill on the Gort Rd in Ennis was requested by Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) at a recent sitting of the Ennis Municipal District.
It emerged following a contribution by senior executive engineer, Eamon O’Dea that the lane was not constructed by the local authority. O’Dea said that the lane “does not meet current accessibility standards”.
Residents in Fern Hill, Hazel Lane and Ivy Hill along with An Garda Síochána would have to be consulted before any upgrade or resurfacing could be considered, O’Dea flagged. Funding would also have to be obtained.
Touching on climate change, Cllr Nestor commented, “we’re facing into something that we’ve never experienced and how we face into climate change and the challenges associated with it”. As part of efforts to help the environment, he stressed the need to improve walking routes “linking two of the busiest roads in the town, the Gort Rd and the Tulla Rd, an awful lot of people living in the estates are using the lane as a slipway”.
“I welcome the response but I ask sincerely that it is actioned upon. I would ask that we try move forward with it,” Nestor added. “Consultation with residents is vital,” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stated.
Accessibility issues persist at the location, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) remarked, “the surface is very poor, residents are unable to maintain it”. He outlined that it was also “a historic right of way”.
