Trip hazard fears prompt inspection of town footpaths - Clare Echo

FOOTPATHS in Wood Quay, Ennis, are to be inspected by Clare County Council following concerns about their condition and the risk of pedestrians tripping.

The issue was raised by Mayor of Ennis Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) at the October meeting of Ennis Municipal District, where he called for the footpaths to be examined and repaired where necessary.

In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Tom Mellett said an inspection would be carried out and any works identified would be included in the council’s maintenance schedule.

He said maintenance repairs had been carried out on the existing paving over the past year to eliminate trip hazards.

Mr Mellett also confirmed that an overlay of the road surface in Wood Quay would be completed before the end of October.

However, he said the area had not been included in the Ennis Public Realm Projects A and B. Bringing it up to the same standard would require funding comparable to those projects, although Wood Quay could be considered for future public realm works.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Guilfoyle said the footpath near the Irish Cancer Society charity shop was in a “bad state of repair” and posed a tripping hazard.

He said several people had approached him about the condition of the footpath and asked him to do something about it.

Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF), who seconded the motion, said the area had been paved with slabs that initially looked well but had since been displaced by greenery and tree roots.

She said the “whole of that area kind of needs a lift” and that improvements would “look fantastic”, while also addressing safety concerns.

Cllr Baker Bashua referred to a resident who had fallen while walking in the area and been badly injured. She said she hoped the works could be carried out in a timely manner.

Deputy Mayor of Ennis Cllr Mary Howard (FG) supported the motion and said she had raised the issue several years ago.

She said she had hoped the Ennis public realm improvements would extend into Wood Quay but that this had “unfortunately” not happened.

Cllr Howard also raised concerns about jeeps parking on the footpath and obstructing space for pedestrians.

Cllr Guilfoyle welcomed the response and said he looked forward to the repairs, describing Wood Quay as a “wonderful part of town”.

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