A shared ownership scheme between Ennis and Kilkee over a train to be used at both destinations throughout a calendar year is to be investigated.
At the January meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard put forward a notice of motion “considering the success of the Christmas train over the four days” that the MD contemplate “purchasing one as it could be used for many other events throughout the year”.
“I brought this forward to get the conversation started, we all saw the success it was for four days, Clonakilty has one for the whole year,” Cllr Howard stated. She mentioned that it kept traffic flowing at the correct speed in the town and would be suitable to “rent it out to other areas for their events”.
Her Fine Gael colleague, Cllr Johnny Flynn seconded what he described “a very imaginative motion”. “We could share it with Kilkee and do some sort of an arrangement,” he added referring to the Kilkee Road Train that operates during the summer.
“I agree with what Johnny has said about the shared ownership, my only worry would be the cost and whether it is possible to buy or build one. It comes under community enhancement in Kilkee but it is definitely a conversation that needs to be had” Cllr Ann Norton stated. “The fact that there is one in the county already, we might use it in a county scheme. Where I saw it for years was in Kilkee bringing people from the west end to town”. She praised Clare County Council for ensuring the Christmas Train was wheelchair accessible and her views were supported by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy.
Senior Executive Officer, Leonore O’Neill told the elected representatives, “We will make contact with Kilkee Chamber and get back to you”.
