THE new €1.75 million covered building for market traders in Ennis town centre will be officially opened this Friday. The ceremony marks the completion of phase one of the redevelopment of the market at Garraunakilla, the site of the Farmers’ Market.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the trading days at Ennis Market, where up to 21 traders will provide a wide range of goods, including specialty foods, baking and confectionery, arts and crafts and health and beauty products. On non-trading days, the facility is available for parking, providing 27 spaces in a safe, convenient central location.
Speaking ahead of the official opening on Friday at 3pm, Mayor of Ennis, Ann Norton said, “This very significant investment by Clare County Council in the heart of Ennis will enhance the market to standards expected in the modern age. It will provide traders with a quality and convenient location to promote their locally-sourced and produced goods. We will continue to enhance the facility over the coming months so that its use can be maximised for the town.”
She continued, “In developing this project, Clare County Council, supported by the elected members, local business community and market traders, has identified the importance of maintaining the town’s market heritage and enhancing the central market area for the benefit of the thousands of people who pass through it each week,” she added.
Other works completed under phase one of the Market Rejuvenation Project include the upgrading of public infrastructure surrounding the site, including parking, roads and footpaths, the upgrading of existing public roadways, site lighting, street furniture, the demolition of the existing structures and landscaping and planting.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.