The local authority is being accused of ripping up the public’s views on a controversial Ennis bridge and throwing them “in the bin”.
Anger is being expressed by elected representatives in the town following the inclusion of a proposal for Droichead na Gabhair in the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan.
In 2018, the ‘Droichead na Gabhair – Make the Bridge Safe’ campaign was launched to advocate for the construction of a footbridge alongside the existing structure.
The much-discussed bridge, which is protected, is located on Drumcliffe Road west of Cluain Greine on the outskirts of Ennis and is the subject of much debate, due to its narrow width, as well as the absence of pedestrian or cyclist infrastructure.
According to the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan, public consultation has found that the lack of a footpath “creates conflict between cars and pedestrian resulting in a dangerous environment”.
The draft plan proposes reducing the bridge, which it refers to as “Drumcliffe Road Bridge”, to one lane of traffic, and implementing a stop-go system; a measure it says would “provide room for active travel infrastructure”.
A petition seeking change at the site in the past has garnered over 1,000 signatures and in September 2024, Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle’s motion seeking the progression of a pedestrian bridge was supported by all members of Ennis Municipal District.
Councillor Guilfoyle claims engineers are ignoring the wishes of elected representatives and the people they represent.
The push for a footbridge alongside Droichead na Gabhair has also been a cause championed by Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard for a number of years.
The public consultation period for the proposal, as well as the rest of the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan has now been extended to July 11th.
Councillor Howard says the lack of engagement to date is “disgraceful”.
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