*Photograph: Fiona McNamara
Ennis councillors are on the fence at the possibility of the Daniel O’Connell Monument being surrounded by iron railings.
An appeal to begin a period of public consultation process “on the potential or otherwise of re-instating portion of wrought iron railings, in the style of the original railings, around the O Connell Monument” was issued by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG).
He believed this work could complement planned public realm upgrades to O’Connell St and Barrack St in Ennis town. Gauging the views of business personnel and residents would be worthwhile, Cllr Flynn felt.
O’Connell Monument is listed as a protected structure, executive planner, Candace Ingram flagged in a written response. Part 8 consent would be required if railings were to be erected at the location, she stated. “It is important to consider any potential impact of installing railings on both the context and setting of the protected structure, as well as on future active uses of this public space. The maintenance of the area within the railings would also need consideration, in particular the potential for littering to occur”.
Having a discussion on the possibility of railings was backed by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG). “Generally I’m against barriers, would this be seen as a barrier I don’t know. Could protect the monument. I’ve spoken before about using the Daniel O’Connell legacy more in Ennis”.
Similarly, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) voiced her opposition to railings but said a discussion would be worthwhile on what she labelled as “probably the most important location in the town”. “It is a very important site in the town, it is a magnet to gravitate towards,” she added. Potential of fountain pavements at the Monument was mentioned at the launch of the Age Friendly Strategy, she recalled. “I know Johnny wants to stop anti-social behaviour, if someone had a code they could put on the fountain if someone is sitting there that shouldn’t be there then the water could be turned on to move them on,” Howard quipped.
Cllr Pat Daly (FF) voiced his opposition to the proposal, “I always felt the monument was an open space for the people of Ennis, I wouldn’t like to see a barrier around it”.
Holding a discussion would do no harm, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) remarked, “It is something Johnny has brought up on numerous occasions. Sometimes it is disheartening to walk past the monument and see what is going on”.
Senior executive officer, Leonore O’Neill informed the meeting that the advice received was that railings don’t respect a heritage or protected structure. Installation of railings would require a separate Part 8 approval to the pavement fountain and additional seating at the Height.
