Ennis to play home to all-weather market?

The provision of an all-weather market in the town would encourage more people to shop in Ennis.

At a recent meeting of Ennis Town Council, Councillor Johnny Flynn urged that research be carried out into the feasibility of a covered market for the town, similar to Limerick’s Milk Market.
“Ennis Town Council should carry out preliminary feasibility research on identifying a number of locations for consideration as suitable for use to provide a similar covered family friendly all-weather market shopping experience in Ennis,” he said.
He suggested locations to be considered could include existing market areas such as Woodquay/Riverwalk, the ex-town council site at Buttermarket, a portion of Parnell Street, Barrack Street and Community Centre/Lower Market Street car park among others.
“Ennis has been a market town for over 500 years and there are fantastic locations for a town centre based shopping experience. Somebody has already come to me and mentioned an area in Barrack Street that could be suitable.
“Every weekend there are hundreds of Ennis people going to Limerick to the market because they love the experience. There are certainly sites here that could be developed, previous market sites that could be developed in a modern context,” he urged.
Meanwhile, as members of Ennis Town Council debated proposed casual trading bylaws for the town, Councillor Frankie Neylon also suggested that a roofed market area be developed.
“There should be trading seven days a week in a roofed area with little shop units. This could give people who do not have a shop and work from home, a chance to showcase their products to people in the town. This could help job creation,” he said.
Councillors at the meeting were told by town clerk Eddie Power that a covered market could be considered if the finances are available.
“Significant redevelopment plans for the enhancement of the market area in Ennis were prepared and the planning consultation process completed. The project was put on hold having regard to financial reasons and the non-availability of funding.
“It is recognised that the market area of Ennis is an attraction for locals and tourists alike and the redevelopment works proposed would enhance the area,” Mr Power said.
“The council is currently in the process of adopting casual trading bylaws in order to improve the management of the market. The proposals in the bylaws include the designation of Lower Market Street carpark as a casual trading area for particular events and occasions. This area would be suitable for a Christmas market or French market or similar initiative.”
He went on, “The provision of a covered market area could be considered further when the financial resources are available for the market redevelopment project. Furthermore, private sector interests may identify a business opportunity in the development of a covered market. The council would consider any such proposal in the context of the proper planning and development of the town.”