*Mary Howard on volunteer duty for Ennis Tidy Towns. Photograph: Ennis Tidy Towns

Increased and better street lighting along the riverwalk by the Maid of Éireann is expected to cost €33,000.

Referencing the high amount of work carried out over the summer to the river walk by the Maid of Éireann roundabout, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) issued an appeal for enhanced and increased street lighting in the area “to ensure those who use it feel safe as the nights draw in”.

An estimated cost for such works totalled at €33,000, senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea said in response to Howard’s motion. He detailed that the calculation was dependent on the street scape requirements for the poles and the lantern type which would be appropriate for a river setting.

O’Dea outlined, “The provision of public lighting along the river walk from the Maid of Éireann to Victoria Bridge could be considered by the Council and consultation with the Gardaí will be required to prevent the area becoming a gathering location with potential for antisocial behaviour”.

Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Howard acknowledged, “It is great to see the increased usage by the people who live in the area or those who now use it as part of their daily walk”.

She believed that the recent work at the location has resulted in “a great facility to have in the town”. The ability for people to sit down to take a break was praised along with the repairs and replacement of fencing. Her motion was seconded by Cllr Mark Nestor (FF).