CLARE County Council will examine the feasibility of developing a dog park on council-owned land in the Ennis area.
The update came following a joint Notice of Motion from Fianna Fáil councillors Clare Colleran Molloy and Antoinette Baker Bashua at the September meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.
The councillors pointed to the dog park delivered by Clare County Council in the Shannon Municipal District on council-owned land beside Shannon Crematorium as an example of what could be provided in Ennis.
In their motion, they said: “Considering the superb delivery by Clare County Council of the Dog Park in the Shannon MD on Council-owned lands next to the Shannon Crematorium, we are requesting that the Ennis MD makes best efforts to finally deliver a similar facility in our District.”
They suggested that a section of the former landfill on the Quin Road could be considered as a potential location.
“This amenity has been requested by many elected representatives in the Ennis area over many years, and it is now time to deliver,” they said.
Cllr Colleran Molloy said she had visited the Shannon dog park over the summer and questioned why similar progress had not been made in Ennis.
She said a dog park would provide a good way to socialise dogs and described the proposal as a “responsible, proactive approach”.
“I hope to actually see it,” she said.
Cllr Baker Bashua said Shannon had secured its dog park and that the proposal had been raised in Ennis motions over the past couple of years.
She said the old dump on Quin Road was one potential option, while Lees Road and a location near Clare Abbey could also be considered.
Cllr Baker Bashua said two or three potential sites should be identified before proceeding with a facility.
“Get one going, then get more going,” she said.
She said the Shannon Municipal District was also looking to identify a site for a second dog park following the success of the first.
Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), who seconded the motion, said councillors had all heard about the success of the Shannon facility.
He said the Ennis MD could learn from the Shannon experience, adding that councillors may not previously have “driven hard enough” to get a dog park delivered.
Cllr Murphy suggested looking at somewhere people visit every day, such as the River Walk.
Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) said a dog park would “create a safe space for dog owners” and supported the motion.
Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said the proposal was “very appropriate” for the town and that the Quin Road site would be suitable.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said the proposal had been “on the radar” for many years and noted the high level of dog ownership locally.
She said there should be discussions with those involved in running the Shannon facility to identify any difficulties that had arisen and learn from their experience.
In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Tom Mellett said the Ennis Municipal District would examine the feasibility of providing a public dog park.
“Ennis MD will examine the feasibility of providing a public dog park for Ennis, including the identification of an appropriate site and available funding mechanisms,” he said.
Cllr Colleran Molloy thanked members for their support and requested that an update be provided within one to two months.
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