*Ballyalla Lake.
€56,490 is the estimated project cost for the development of the Ballyalla looped walk.
Work on the Ballyalla Looped Walk is completed and was funded under an ORIS Accelerated Measures Scheme. The walk is structured for the walker to go around the lake via Ballycorey Bridge, Drumcliffe, Reaskaun, Templemaley Bridge, Ballyalla Cross to Ballyalla Amenity Area, as the traffic warning system is structured to caution drivers of oncoming walkers.
Senior executive engineer with the Ennis Municipal District, Eamon O’Dea advised that amendments were required to the original proposal set out in the Earth Route Ennis Recreational Trails including the use of variable message signs. He confirmed that line markings will be completed following surface dressing next year. “A Project Cost of €56,490 was submitted to the Department of Rural and Community Development and grant aid sought of €40,000,” he stated.
A progress report was sought by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) at the November meeting of the Ennis MD. He lauded the development and recalled that the Earth Route Ennis Recreational Trails were commissioned by Ennis Town Council in 2008 to do a feasibility study around the county town and its environs.
When the Blue Flag working group was set up “the sale of the Lahinch of Ennis was prevented,” Flynn remarked of Ballyalla. The establishment of this group has also led to an improvement in the water quality, “the amenity is no longer neglected,” Flynn maintained.
Submission of a project to the Department was welcomed by Cllr Ann Norton (IND). She outlined that Barefield Tidy Towns has been co-operating with Clare County Council on a feasibility study “to make sure we’re ready as soon as money becomes available to make viable changes to Ballyalla”. She added, “It is a fantastic amenity but we want to make it more accessible and ensure it is kept in the right way it needs to be kept but with added extras, there has been a huge amount of work gone into Ballyalla and it needs to stay at the forefront”.
Cllr Pat Daly (FF) believed the project was “another boost” for the area. He commended Cllr Flynn for pushing the improvements over the past thirteen years. “It is an exciting project for the area, I’ve often walked around Templemaley but I can tell you this will be a challenging walk but a great boost for the area,” he commented.
