Coach tourism gearing up

EFFORTS to increase the level of coach tourism business in the town have moved up a gear with new plans unveiled by Ennis Town Council this week.
Additional bus and coach parking spaces have been allocated in the Friars Walk area of the town centre, located adjacent to Clare Museum.
The council is also investigating a number of other capital projects, including the development of a dedicated bus park equipped with maintenance facilities for tour operators.
Welcoming the initiative, Mayor of Ennis Councillor Michael Guilfoyle said, “Ever since the completion of the N18 Ennis Bypass, we have witnessed a decline in the number of bus and coach operators visiting the town. Coach tourism remains very important for Ennis businesses and therefore, the council and its elected members along with members of the local business community must continue to examine ways of facilitating operators with easier access to the town centre.”
The provision of five additional coach parking spaces at Friars Walk is the first in a two-phase tourism strategy by Ennis Town Council to attract new coach visitor business to Ennis.
According to Town Clerk Leonard Cleary, “In a recent submission from the business community to Ennis Town Council, it was estimated that a coach of visitors can spend up to €3,000 on a short day trip of shopping in Ennis’ attractive shops, boutiques and restaurants. Ennis Town Council has consulted various bus tour operators and is currently in the early stages of researching and planning a larger bus/coach park close to the town centre.”
Mr Cleary continued, “This is the first phase of the improvement in facilities for coach parking. We are currently consulting with coach operators on their requirements and would hope to table a formal proposal at the next meeting of Ennis Town Council for an extension and a significant enhancement of current facilities.”   
President of Ennis Chamber, Brian O’Neill, said, “It is imperative that if we are to promote Ennis as a tourist destination town and a great place stay, shop and enjoy that we have accessible, available and convenient coach parking facilities in the centre of our beautiful town. I would like to congratulate Ennis Town Council in making this first step towards achieving this.”
Jackie Cronin, director of Ennis-based Glynn’s Coaches commented, “The lack of ample coach parking in Ennis town centre has always been a major issue for coach and bus operators. Until now, some operators have opted to bypass the town due to the lack of such parking facilities. I warmly welcome the council’s proactive measures to rectify this longstanding issue.”