*The motion was tabled by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF).
A NEW risk assessment on the presence of lifebuoys at known fishing sites, swimming areas, bridges and river banks across the Ennis Municipal District has been sought.
Calls for the Ennis MD to conduct “a comprehensive survey of all local waterways and install lifebuoys at every suitable location” were made by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF).
Senior executive engineer with Clare County Council, Brendan Flynn outlined that the local authority “several years ago” along the River Fergus “arranged a risk assessment of ring buoys through Water Safety Ireland”. He did not specify when this was completed but noted “all ring buoys identified in that risk assessment are still in place and are inspected by Clare County Council staff on a weekly basis. Any issues identified are dealt with immediately”.
Flynn added, “In addition, a local risk assessment was carried out recently along the Clareabbey River Walk from the Quin Rd to Clareabbey and ring buoys were subsequently installed”.
Seán Lenihan, SEO in the Ennis MD encouraged elected members and the public to contact the Council if they “are aware of any missing lifebuoys or of locations that they feel should be covered”.
Dislodged lifebuoys in the town came into focus for Cllr Guilfoyle during a recent kayaking trip on the River Fergus. He asked when the next risk assessment would be completed and appealed to the Council to use their social media accounts to encourage the general public to point out areas that they feel lifebuoys should be installed.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) outlined that her teenage son has started to fish and it brings a worry for parents, “you are wondering if they will be safe and if a lifebuoy can be thrown to them if needed”.
Describing the request as “incredibly important,” Cllr Mary Howard pointed out, “We’re surrounded by water in Ennis. We’re well served with locations but more will be needed”. She said lifebuoys are replaced within hours when reported. “I cannot stress enough the importance of people not interfering with them because the people taking them will never know when they are needed”.
An experience of getting caught by a wave in Luton was recalled by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), “I was lucky to come back and it is something you never forget”. He voiced anger with the “shocking” recent events in Dublin where people videoed a swimmer in difficulty as opposed to helping them.
Water safety is “critical,” Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) emphasised. “I’ve seen them interfered with which is not good enough”.
Addressing councillors, Lenihan explained that the “risk assessment is done on a periodic basis” but flagged there was nothing to stop people reporting when they notice missing lifebuoys which can be done via Water Safety Ireland’s “useful app”.
Concluding the discussion, Cllr Guilfoyle highlighted that the River Fergus “goes all the way through town” and repeated his request to “raise this on social media, tell the public to respect them and see where we want more”.
Local authorities are granted powers in relation to a range of amenity and recreation functions under Part 9 of the Local Government Act, 2001. Section 67 of that Act enables local authorities, inter alia, to provide facilities and services related to the promotion of public safety, including water safety. Usually, the services provided by local authorities include the provision of lifeguards, water safety equipment (such as ring buoys and other equipment/appliances), swimming and bathing places for the public.
