Post Office Field

Clare Champion, Friday, 10th November 2006

The Post Office field is an oasis of calm right in the heart of Ennis; its fragile eco-system susceptible to any kind of development in the general proximity. The field exudes a picture postcard image, hugging the bank of the meandering River Fergus, with swans, ducks and other wild birds making themselves right at home. Barry Wrafter's specially commissioned piece of sculpture sits beautifully into the landscape, especially when floodwaters lap around its base. This scene, which is appreciated by old and young, locals and visitors alike, might not exist but for the vigilance of a committed group of people, to whom much thanks is due.

Most of the field was saved from commercial development when, following sustained public pressure to safeguard it as a public amenity, the Town Council purchased 2.5 acres in 1998. Leading up to this, conservationists and people from all walks of life united under the umbrella of Aontas na Pairce, to oppose plans for a IRL£11 million (€14 million) development on the site. This was to have included a hotel, shopping centre and multi-storey car park as well as a pub, night club and restaurant.

Aontas na Pairce was re-activated in 2005 amid concerns that Ennis Town Council and Ennis Civic Trust had earmarked the Post Office field for development. The group called for the field to be designated a wildlife sanctuary to be enjoyed by viewing rather than opening it up for access.

There things lay until this week when it emerged that the field is being considered as a site for a new County Library. Ennis Town Council members have approved a request by Town Manager, Tom Coughlan, to apply for funding for the project from the Department of Environment and An Comhairle Leabharlanna.

We have been assured that the development would be confined to an area of 0.3 acres fronting Bank Place while the remaining 3.7 acres would be maintained as open space. According to Mr. Coughlan, initial discussions with the Council's planner and architect indicate that a suitable building would enhance the streetscape at Bank Place while also preserving the amenity of the adjoining site. There would be classical features to the front and something modern overlooking the field, plenty of glass and a viewing gallery.

The field is currently zoned amenity and a variation to the Ennis and Environs Development Plan would be necessary to facilitate development. The Council would do well to tread carefully addressing this fundamental issue.

Several Councillors were members of the local authority when it purchased the field in 1998 and they, in particular, are aware of just how contentious an issue this latest proposal could become. While the Council has already signalled general approval for what should be a flagship public building, there must be consultation all the way to ease various concerns which may arise about the project.

The Council must get it right. Further generations will not thank us if we allow the last piece of green space in the heart of Ennis to be despoiled.

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