APPROVAL has been granted for lighting works in the vicinity of Ballyalla Lake totalling €132,500 while separate concerns have been voiced with overgrown walkways in the vicinity.
Funding was obtained by the Ennis Municipal District under the Community Recognition Fund in May for an application for a public lighting project.
A contractor has been appointed to install public lighting from the Gort Rd down to Ballyalla Lake. Acting senior executive engineer in the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan confirmed sixteen lighting columns would be erected at approximately 25m centres. “The column height has been restricted to 4m in height in order to reduce the environmental impact of the project including impacts on the local bat species. The estimated cost of the project is €132,500 and we expect the project to be completed by the end of August 2023”.
An update had been sought by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) at the July meeting of the Ennis Municipal District who cited his previous requests to improve safety and increase accessibility for the public. His proposal was seconded by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG).
Meanwhile, Cllr Flynn has also highlighted that overgrown walkways are restricting walking in the northern section of Ballyalla Lake. “The overgrown walkways at Northern section of Ballyalia Lake are and have closing in across the paths to the extent that it was impossible to walk without getting wet whilst walking from the bushes long grass following earlier rainfall. I ask that the bushes and grasses be cut back to ensure the safety of users and in particular to remove any visual blind spots at turns/bends of the paths for vulnerable walkers. The bushes/hedges at the carpark also seem to need cutting back”.
He acknowledged the upgrading and widening of the footpaths in the southern section of Ballyalla. “It is a pity that the surfaces at this section are rough stone and not finished with tarmac”.
Cllr Flynn added, “Overall the amenity was clean and great to see the lifeguard hut in operation”.
