Ennis 2040 Plan launched by Leo Varadkar

CLARE County Council has unveiled details of a new economic and spatial strategy that will drive the economic, social and physical development of Ennis over the next 18 years.

They claim it will lead to the town being “one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit.”

The plan, entitled ‘Ennis 2040 – An Economic and Spatial Strategy’,was launched on Friday morning by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD.

According to a statement from the Council the strategic objectives of Ennis 2040 are to position the town as a location for investment, to make it Ireland’s first climate adaptive town, to create ‘Ireland’s First 10 Minute Town’ where a range of community facilities and services are accessible in short timeframes and to promote Ennis as an accessible place of quality with a quality-of-life proposition that sets it apart from other locations.

Mr Varadkar said, “I’m really happy to launch this exciting and ambitious plan for the future of Ennis, which sets out how the town will grow its population by 1.6% per year and create 5,000 new jobs by 2040. Ennis has huge potential, with its location, talent pool and natural beauty, all providing excellent opportunities to invest, live and visit here. I know a lot of effort has gone into involving the entire community in developing this plan. Congratulations to all in bringing together this vision.”

The Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy includes an Economic Action Plan, a Spatial Implementation Plan and a Marketing Strategy. Nine transformational projects outlined in the Spatial Implementation Plan provide the framework through which many of the Ennis 2040 strategy actions can be realised.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor PJ Ryan, said: “This strategy is grounded in a wide range of economic, social and environmental considerations which provide a basis for targeted investment, balanced economic growth and a sustainable pattern of development providing a choice of living.

“There is an old saying that a rising tide lifts all boats. I believe that is what is going to happen in County Clare. The Ennis 2040 strategy can deliver economic investment and benefits that will extend to all parts of the county. I think our communities will benefit, our businesses will benefit and the people who visit Clare will benefit. The prosperity of large regional towns like Ennis is critical to the health of the national economy and essential for balanced regional development. The positive effects of a vibrant county town will be felt countywide.”