*Cllr Mark Nestor. Photograph: Eamon Ward

Ennis councillors have expressed their view that the Buttermarket area can help to reenergise the town.

Upgrading works of footpaths in the Buttermarket were appealed for by Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. A section of the footpath between the Grotto and Simms Lane has recently been replaced.

Other sections that also require works “will be undertaken once work crews are available to carry out the works,” senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea confirmed.

Speaking at the November meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Nestor outlined the need for a discussion on the future and potential of the Buttermarket to take place. He acknowledged the input of local residents to maintaining the area but highlighted how their efforts can come undone due to the presence of a vacant site. “Residents are afraid to leave their door open on warm days for fear water will come down from the vacant site and into their house. A frank discussion is needed on the future of this site for the town,” he said.

Agreement was voiced by Cllr Pat Daly (FF) on the need for works, “it is a lovely old area of the town”. He continued, “Families are very worried about the derelict site. It looks terrible at the moment and looks bad for the town”.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) told the meeting he has submitted a report on the derelict site to the planning department. “The area is a credit to the residents for keeping it so well,” he said.