*Ballyalla.
A MULTI-MILLION euro investment is being eyed up for Ballyalla.
There are “significant plans” with “significant costs” for Ballyalla according to Acting Director of Economic Development with Clare County Council, Seán Lenihan. He confirmed “a senior staff member” has been assigned to review plans for the area and identify sources of funding.
In a proposal before the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) stated, “Ballyalla needs investment. Investing in Ballyalla located near Ennis presents an opportunity to enhance a valuable natural and recreational asset. I request that consideration be given to supporting local and environmental goals within this area”.
Lenihan in response commented, “It is wholeheartedly agreed that Ballyallia is a significant and unique asset for not alone Ennis but also the many people that come to visit here. Members will be aware of the significant plans that we have for the area and the significant costs attaching to same. Moreover, there are significant challenges to carrying out certain works there given the sensitive environment and ecological parameters that exist there That being said, we should always be looking to see what we can do better and what incremental improvements can be carried out in the shorter term”.
Ballyalla was labelled “a fast location near Ennis” by Cllr O’Callaghan. “It is a significant unique asset,” he stated. The potential of a visitor centre, picnic area, interpretative centre to examine biodiversity were all suggested by the Kildysart native who told the meeting he has been out on his kayak on the lake. “It is its own gem,” he said, “it is a big picture but one worthy of pursuing”.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) noted, “lots of kayaks are fantastic but take up an awful lot of parking space, it is not that far of a walk to get to changing areas”. She commented, “build it and they will come is coming into my head, it is an area of our town which is underutilised considering wellness, mental health and nature, it is there already, we don’t have to start from scratch”.
Improving facilities for swimmers in Ballyalla has been raised by elected members “for years,” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) flagged. “There’s lots of work which can be done in Ballyalla”.
A building in the locality has been acquired in recent times, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) told the meeting. “I think we’ve always said Ballyalla could be an amazing facility for the town, it was rediscovered during COVID”. She asked that a behind-closed-doors briefing be organised for councillors on the previous plan for Ballyalla, “it was a forward thinking plan, it was amazing, let’s bring everyone on the same sheet”.
Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) agreed, “It is important to get the basics right until the picture is clearer”.
Addressing the meeting, Lenihan said the Executive “wholeheartedly agree with” O’Callaghan’s motion. “It is a jewel in the crown and it needs investment. It is a multi-million euro project, it is not just funding, there is sensitivities to the plan, it is a SAC, it is not a case to go out and do everything we can”. Staff in the Ennis MD have already completed work on tidying up the pathways in Ballyalla. He said a briefing can be arranged in advance of the April meeting.
Completing a feasibility study is “a big undertaking,” Cllr O’Callaghan said. “It is trying to locate where we can get the extra funding by focusing on sustainability. Ballyalla can become a model for rural development by developing it, it is a gem”.
Back in 2022, the Council had intended to apply for planning permission to An Bord Pleanála for the Ballyalla Amenity Enhancement Plan. The lake is located on the River Fergus, north of Ennis covering an area of 308 hectares. It has been recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. It is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area for bird species in addition to being a proposed Natural Heritage Area.
