*Photograph: John Mangan

Increased seating is needed at public spaces in the county town to encourage greater use of the facilities, elected representative have stated.

Seven seating units are currently in situ throughout John O’Sullivan Park at Lees Rd in Ennis with plans to install ‘log’ like seating throughout the woodland walks. Three units exist at Tim Smythe Park in the Fair Green.

Council owned playgrounds at Kilrush, Drumbiggle and Cloughleigh all have seating units. “We are currently working on completing the ‘ORIS Measure 1 application for Tim Smythe Park’, a refurbishment project and budget permitting, locating 3 x Chess Benches. These are benches with an inlaid chess board,” Head of Sports and Recreation with the local authority Tim Forde explained.

His comments came in response to a recent motion to the Ennis Municipal District by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG). He sought a report on the feasibility and cost of providing seats “similar to those on the extended walk at Lahinch Prom,” Flynn stated that public green and recreational spaces had an increased usage by people of all ages. He suggested the primary focus be on Tim Smythe Park, John O Sullivan Park and “large green areas such as behind Ivy Hill/Glenina”.

“There is a need for seating at strategic locations,” he commented. The Tulla Rd resident outlined that a 90 year old man had moved from West Clare to Ennis recently for medical reasons and flagged “there is no seating for him while he is exercising by Glenina”. He added, “We need to increase seating for older people and for young families to be able to enjoy our amenities”.

Seating is a very important aspect of public areas, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) stressed. During the height of COVID-19 restrictions, she recalled that Lees Rd was visited by families both young and old with all seating used. “There is a need for more seating especially in the town centre. We’re living longer lives and we will appreciate it more into the future”. She noted, “German towns have seats everywhere”.

Agreement on the need for extra seating was also voiced by Cllr Mark Nestor (FF).

Related News

roisin garvey solar panel
Clare one of eleven counties included in solar for schools programme
ge2020 election posters 6
Sitting councillors in Ennis push to have designated area only for election posters
shannon community partnership
Shannon Community Partnership to hold official launch
ennis courthouse tent 24-02-21 4
Teenager said she reported neglect of mother to prevent six year old sister from having the same life
Latest News
bernadette haugh joe cooney dena mcgrath 1-2
Council launch health & wellbeing calendar for 2024
roisin garvey solar panel
Clare one of eleven counties included in solar for schools programme
broadford v éire óg u21 26-11-23 1
Back to back U21B titles for Broadford
st breckans v western gaels doonbeg 26-11-23 shane fitzpatrick fionn doherty 1
St Breckan's seal U21 final spot
ge2020 election posters 6
Sitting councillors in Ennis push to have designated area only for election posters
Premium
clare v cork u20 19-04-23 keith smyth 2
Smyth's return powers Feakle/Killanena to U21A decider
ennis courthouse tent 24-02-21 4
Teenager said she reported neglect of mother to prevent six year old sister from having the same life
court seat
Father signs guilty plea to unauthorised removal of two sons
avenue utd v newmarket celtic 05-11-23 pat mcmahon pops ryan spok 1
Tributes paid to retiring Pat 'Mace' McMahon
river graney
Flooding challenges in River Graney catchment hindering farmers use of their land

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top
Enable Notifications for the latest news and updates OK No thanks