Mayor of Ennis Cllr Ann Norton cuts the tape at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. With her are; Gobnait Kelly, Trader, Clare County Council CEO Pat Dowling, Mayor of Clare Bill Chambers and Ennis Chamber President Jean Mc Cabe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Ann Norton cut the tape today to officially open the new €1.75 million covered building for market traders in Ennis town centre.
Councillor Norton completed the formalities in the presence of Clare County Council, CEO, Past Dowling; Mayor of Clare, Councillor Bill Chambers; President of Ennis Chamberof Commerce, Jean McCabe and street trader, Gobnait Kelly.
The ceremony marked the completion of phase one of the redevelopment of the market at Garraunakilla, the site of the Farmers’ Market.
Councillor 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.”
“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.
Fr Tom Hogan prays a blessing at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
The attendance as seen through a market stall at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
Mayor of Ennis Cllr Ann Norton makes a presentation to former Mayor of Ennis and Clare Peter Considine at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
Former Mayor of Ennis Peter Considine who was honoured with a special presentation with his wife Nora at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
A little girl plays on the floor as Clare County CEO Pat Dowling speaks at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
Clare County Council CEO Pat Dowling.
Ennis Market where councillors are proposing to offer free stalls.
Photograph by John Kelly.
Trader Gobnait Kelly speaking at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
Artist David O Rourke at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
Jean Mc Cabe, President of Ennis Chamber speaking at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
Ger Dollard, Clare County Council speaking at the official opening of the new Ennis Market, watched by CEO Pat Dowling, Ennis Chamber President Jean Mc Cabe, Mayor of Clare Bill Chambers and Ennis Mayor Ann Norton Photograph by John Kelly.
Mayor of Ennis Cllr Ann Norton cuts the tape at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. With her are; Gobnait Kelly, Trader, Clare County Council CEO Pat Dowling, Mayor of Clare Bill Chambers and Ennis Chamber President Jean Mc Cabe. Photograph by John Kelly.
Former Mayor of Ennis and Clare Peter Considine with his sister and brother at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
Mayor of Ennis Cllr. Ann Norton with some of the original Ennis Farmers Market traders since 2004 Caroline O Connor and Dave Smyth at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
Former Mayors of Ennis, Michael Guilfoyle, Tommy Brennan, Peter Considine and Mary Coote Ryan at the official opening of the new Ennis Market. Photograph by John Kelly.
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.
