Tag Archives: Brian McCarthy

THE pulse of the county capital has been taken and the results are in. Ennis was chosen as one of 10 Irish towns to take part in a Town Centre Health Check (TCHC), assessing people’s impressions of the town and what they would like to see in the future. The survey found 59% of businesses expect trading to improve in the next two years, 27% expect no change and 15% expect a downturn, while 90% of firms plan to continue trading in the town centre. Both shoppers and businesses rated highly the quality and choice of cafes and restaurants, service and safety and the town’s attractiveness. Parking availability was rated poor by 43% of shoppers, compared to 71% of businesses. Brian McCarthy, acting director of service for Ennis Municipal District, said, “The key aim of the pilot TCHC is to assess the vitality, vibrancy and viability of the town centre and to highlight the critical role town centres play.” The …

A proposal to offer stalls for free at the controversial covered market in Ennis has got the backing of members of Ennis Municipal District, with calls for the much maligned development to become a “gold elephant”. Councillor James Breen has suggested that traders be encouraged to use the €1.75 million Ennis Market, with 12 months’ rent free. He said councillors are “getting it in the neck from every part of the county about the white elephant. Why not turn it into a gold elephant?” Councillor Breen continued, “It’s time we did something to make the market work. It’s not working at the moment and we all know it’s not working. We need a small bit of imagination.” Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Paul Murphy acknowledged that there are “a lot of bad vibes out there” about the market development. Councillor Johnny Flynn suggested that Ennis’ ratepayers, such as clothing shops, food producers and speciality shops, could use the spaces for free …

THE ‘locals only’ planning policy in the county is the “biggest impediment” to the success of the Clare Rural Development Strategy Plan. That’s according to Councillor PJ Kelly, who has asked that the County Development Plan be reviewed to remove aspects that obstruct rural development. “We are doomed to disaster, unless we intervene,” he told this month’s meeting of Clare County Council. According to the councillor, he is aware of a number of incidences, where people who wanted to set up businesses in the county did not do so, as they were unable to get planning permission for homes. He said that something needs to be done “to allow development, without being asked to produce a passport”. He continued, “Different parts of the county are being severelydisadvantaged, while others are advantaged.” He said that the County Development Plan needs to be gone through “line by line”. “We have got to change a core part of the County Development Plan; what’s …