*Photograph: John Mangan
No plans are in place to install dugouts or shelters around Lees Rd.
Head of Sports and Recreation with Clare County Council, Tim Forde confirmed that there are no existing plans to provide dugouts or shelters at John O’Sullivan Park in Lees Rd which is owned by the local authority.
He said that costs would be sourced following a proposal by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) to provide some form of shelters for spectators and substitutes at the sports facility.
Forde explained, “It should be noted the Park is an ‘open area’ and as such it presents a number of challenges if we decide to go ahead. These type of structures are safest and best suited if installed in fenced off pitches”.
“Much needed shelter” would be provided if the structures were installed, Cllr Murphy argued. He referenced a recent Ennis RFC game played at the venue which saw “rain of biblical proportion” falling from the sky. “The elderly and people with mobility issues were getting drenched to the skin,” he recalled.
Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, the Clarecastle representative stated, “Lees Rd is a beautiful facility but it is wide open to the elements, there is no shelter whatsoever on the pitches”.
As he seconded the proposal, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) committed to raising the matter at a meeting of the Ennis Purple Flag Working Group.
