*Lees Rd. Photograph: John Mangan
Claims that a basketball court had been promised for Lees Rd have been rejected by Clare County Council.
Cllr Mary Howard (FG) reminded Council officials that commitments had been made to have a basketball court at Lees Rd. However her views at the March meeting of the Ennis Municipal District were disputed.
She highlighted, “The path leading in the woods to the left of the astro-turf is in need of maintenance as there are a number of potholes and uneven surface, I request that this surface be restored. A basketball court has been promised in the past for the park, what is the current status of this”.
Head of Sports and Recreation with the local authority, Tim Forde confirmed that funding to the value of €66,000 had been allocated for the repairs and refurbishment of the walkways.
“There has been no promise of a basketball court in Active Ennis John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Rd. Except in the context of discussions of an indoor arena”. He said that a basketball court exists in the multi-use game area at Tim Smythe Park.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Howard flagged that the “uneven potholes” were brought to her attention by several constituents. A member of Ennis Town Council when plans for Lees Rd were being developed, she was “under the impression a court was promised”.
Of the importance of John O’Sullivan Park, Cllr Howard commented, “It is used by so many people from the very young to the elderly. It is a jewel in the crown in Ennis, we need to maintain and extend it”.
