*Photograph: Joe Buckley
PROFITS generated from the Banner Plaza need to be reinvested into enhancing pedestrian safety measures in Doora, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) has argued.
In a motion before Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District which Cllr Howard was absent from, the proposal was moved without discussion.
Cllr Howard flagged in her proposal, “Doora Village has undergone substantial change due to increased development at the Banner Plaza and traffic movement to the M18 motorway. The Doora community has consistently highlighted the need for enhanced pedestrian safety and infrastructure through the Doora Community Development Group”.
“It is essential that development contributions generated locally (Banner Plaza) are reinvested in the area to ensure safer conditions for residents, particularly along the Noughaval road where footpath provision remains a priority. Can Clare County Council provide an update on the timeline and delivery of the proposed footpath improvements along Noughaval, including confirmation of funding allocation, design status, and anticipated commencement of works”, she continued.
Acting senior executive engineer with the Ennis MD, Donagh Murphy advised that while a special contribution had been allocated, it would not cover the provision of a footpath from the village to the Plaza. “A Special Development Contribution has been allocated towards improvement and maintenance of public infrastructure, in particular the cost of the provision of footpaths and public realm works in Doora on the L4114 which are necessary to facilitate the development of the site and the overall area. The cost associated with this contribution will not extend to the provision of footpaths extending from Doora village to the Banner Plaza”.
“Delivery of a 1.2km footpath from Doora village to the Banner Plaza is not in the current investment programme. It is not likely that such a scheme would be prioritised based on the criteria for investment in pedestrian infrastructure which typically is weighted towards the existing or developing urban and village development boundaries”, he continued.
