The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
THE Mayor of Ennis is calling on the people of Clare to repeat the support they showed for the hurlers this year by supporting local businesses this Christmas.
Councillor Mary Coote-Ryan issued her “Back The Banner” rallying call this week as the town gets set for the start of a parking incentive scheme aimed at promoting Christmas and New Year shopping in the county capital.
Free parking will be available in the town’s 759 off-street and 783 on-street public car parking spaces up to 12noon daily from this Saturday to January, 6 2014 inclusive.
Mayor Coote-Ryan said the message being promoted by Ennis Town Council, supported by the business community, is that the people of Clare can help sustain employment within the county by supporting local businesses.
She continued, “By supporting street entertainment, like Ennis Street Radio, in tandem with the introduction of free car parking, pedestrianisation and an impressive Christmas lighting display, Ennis Town Council is once again playing its part in creating a festive atmosphere and enhancing the overall shopping experience throughout the town.”
“The proposed pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street on December 21, 22, 23 and 24, coupled with other initiatives in the town in conjunction with Ennis Chamber of Commerce, will make Ennis a very attractive shopping destination during the festive period and I hope the public will Back The Banner once again and show their support for local businesses,” added Mayor Coote Ryan.
Michele Madden, president of Ennis Chamber said great strides have been made in recent years to improve access to the town centre during the period leading up to Christmas.
“The Fabulous Fridays initiative and the town’s success in securing Purple Flag status are signs that local businesses are working together for the benefit of customers,” she said.
Ms Madden continued, “Businesses will be open on the Sundays prior to Christmas with many opening late during the week leading up to Christmas Day to accommodate shoppers.
Ennis Chamber is also delighted to coordinate the Ennis traders and businesses that are playing their part this festive season by giving over €5,000 worth of gifts and vouchers to Ennis Street Radio to be won by its listeners. We are also reminding shoppers that the Ennis Gold Gift Voucher makes a great gift and also helps to keep business and employment in Ennis,” she added.
