Tense Discussions Continue Amid Ennis Local Transport Plan Proposals

Clare FM

As you've been hearing in our news bulletins, there's been an accusation that democracy hasn't been upheld at a meeting of Ennis's elected representatives. Tense exchanges took place during this week's Ennis Municipal District meeting where residents and business owners flooded the public viewing gallery to observe a discussion about the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan. After a motion tabled by Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan calling for the removal of proposals to reduce two-lane access to Carmody Street, Mill Road, Clare Road, Clonroad, Lifford Road and Highfield Park received unanimous support, the Clarecastle representative asked for a vote on the matter. This request was denied by Mayor of Ennis, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard, however, who stated that it couldn't go to a vote as public consultation is ongoing. This was met with fierce opposition from Councillor O'Callaghan as well as Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle and members of the public in the gallery. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and spoke to local businessman Michael Barry who was one of those in attendance. Meanwhile, a local community group is lending its support to the Ennis Local Transport Plan, saying “Ennis Can’t Stay Stuck in the Past”. Better Ennis, which advocates for healthier town centres, and active and public transport for all ages and abilities has robustly defended many of the proposed interventions that they believe will make the town a much healthier and attractive place to live and work. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gearóid Mahon and Síle Ginanne from Better Ennis.