Nestor’s final motions focused on graveyard link & Hermitage grotto before joining priesthood

*Mark Nestor. Photograph: Eamon Ward

MATTERS RELATING TO A GRAVEYARD AND a grotto were the last proposals tabled by Mark Nestor (FF) before he left politics to join the priesthood.

The Clare Echo was first to report in September that Nestor the then youngest elected representative on Clare County Council was leaving his role to become a priest, beginning his studies at a seminary in Spain later that month.

Ironically, his final two proposals before the Ennis Municipal District dealt with creating a better link to Drumcliffe Cemetery and another dealing with the grotto in Hermitage.

He asked the Council to assess the possibility of constructing a footpath between the Cemetery and Lees Rd “due to the large volume of people walking the road”.

Acting senior executive engineer, Ian Chaplin noted that there was 1km between the two sections. “There are a number of constraints along the route consisting of narrow road width, existing stone abutments of old railway bridge, existing stone walls and boundary walls to properties and graveyard. There would likely be requirement therefore to obtain land to allow for the footpath installation whilst facilitating two-way traffic”.

Feasibility would better be determined following a full topographical survey of the route, Chaplin said. “The footpath project would therefore have a significant cost and a funding source would have to be identified for same. Ennis MD will liaise with the Road Design office to determine if this could be considered for future Active Travel funding”.

Several pedestrians had raised the matter with Nestor, he explained. “I think generally there is a need for this footpath, I fully accept and take on board what you are saying. For this to have any chance going forward there is a need for a topographical survey”.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) agreed that it was “a very busy walking route”. She continued, “the main pinch point is after Tierney’s Yard, that turn is really where the problem is, the amount of land required for the footpath is minimal, that to me would be the most urgent section of it”. “It is one of the most popular routes in the town of Ennis, people go by Lees Rd up to the graveyard on a daily basis, there are up to fifteen people walking that road when I pass it,” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stated when speaking on the “serious health and safety issue”.

Agreement with the views of Cllr Howard was voiced by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), he also suggested applying for Active Travel funding to link Lees Rd with Ballyalla.

Separately, Nestor asked that works be completed on the steps behind the Grotto in Hermitage “to ensure they are safe for use for residents in the area”.

Following an assessment by the Ennis MD, Chaplin detailed that the steps were found to be “in an accessible condition including steel handrails to aid access to the grotto itself. The concrete base and mosaic style used at the top of the grotto has become fractured. We will request the Rural Development Officer to engage with the residents association to advise on a possible funding source for same. If a funding source can be identified, Ennis MD will facilitate necessary repair works being carried out at this location”.

Nestor acknowledged he hadn’t “ventured too far from home” with the proposal. He said residents were “concerned that some of the tiles have become quite fractured. With the help of God, the work will be carried out”. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Daly.