A future vision for Ballyallia Lake in Co Clare has been put forward in a new Amenity Enhancement Plan.

Barefield Tidy Towns hosted a public meeting in the Auburn Lodge Hotel to launch the plan, which proposes action to protect, promote and enhance Ballyallia Lake and the surrounding areas. This will also involve protecting the sensitive wildlife that live and visit the lake area.

The Plan identifies opportunities to strengthen the connection to Ennis Town Centre through the Green infrastructure Network in the area and identifies a number of opportunities to enhance and revitalise this area as an active amenity area which includes proposals for a potential pavilion which will provide changing facilities, toilets and visitor information, looped walks, adventure play areas and a community orchard.

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It was shaped by members of the local community, who formed a steering committee and involved public consultations and school workshops.

Cllr Ann Norton, Deputy Mayor of Ennis Municipal District and member of the steering committee which oversaw the plan preparation, said: "We are delighted to see this Amenity Enhancement Plan finalised, and, as a group we are very energised by the level of enthusiasm and support that it has received from the local community throughout the preparation stages. Now that the plan is complete Clare County Council together with local community must work hard to ensure that it is implemented in the not too distant future. The delivery of the proposals contained within the plan will be a resource not just for the current generation but for future generations, as the lake will be managed and protected for all to enjoy. We are very excited to see what the future holds for Ballyallia."

Brian McCarthy. Senior Planner with Clare County Council added: "The Council are delighted to be involved in the Ballyallia Lake Amenity Enhancement Plan which will be key for the plan-led delivery of a much improved amenity area for Ennis Town and the wider county. The development of the plan also demonstrates how a local community can spearhead local development and it is to the credit of Barefield Tidy Towns,  through the funding they received from the Clare Local Development Company and the assistance from the Planning Department that such a plan has been produced."

(CM/MH)