Measures such as fencing have been suggested as a possible deterrent to future dumping at a vacant site in Ennis.

In recent weeks, staff from Clare County Council’s environment section and property management team cleared away rubbish that was dumped at Shallee Drive.

Ongoing dumping has been noticeable at the site, Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) outlined. Speaking at the April meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, he flagged the concerns of residents living in close vicinity to Shallee Drive.

“Over the past few years it has been used as a dumping site,” the Cloughleigh man stated. Electrical goods were among the items deposited at the location, he observed of the “overgrown” area. He queried the potential of having fencing around the site to prevent repeat scenarios. “I found it very strange that one site was left out for line of housing there, is there a plan in place for future use of site,” he asked.

Agreement was voiced by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) that Shallee Drive was “a blackspot for many years”. Work in Cloughleigh was acknowledged by Cllr Howard who felt the site had untapped potential. “It is a shame that it is sitting idle when there could be some sort of use for it”.

Senior executive engineer, Eamon O’Dea informed the meeting, “it is my understanding that there is an intention to fence the site”. He said discussions were ongoing with the Council’s property management team.