MAKING Ennistymon more pedestrian-friendly while also providing more parking for coaches and cars is one of the issues being tackled by a town enhancement strategy, writes Dan Danaher.

Ennistymon Town Team and Helena McElmeel Architects are preparing an Enhancement Strategy for the town centre in partnership with Clare County Council and Clare Local Development Agency.

Three out of every four people surveyed for the new strategy drive in and out of the town, according to the results of a survey released from public consultation conducted last year.

One of the objectives of the Ennistymon Enhancement Strategy (EES) is to make the town more pedestrian friendly, with the proposed provision of a new pedestrian crossing on the old bridge and attractive walking routes such as a river side board walk.

The North Clare town will benefit from major infrastructural developments over the coming years, with the development of a new €25 million post-primary school, and €16 million for the Inner Relief Road to address serious traffic congestion issues in the town, pending planning approval.

The preparation of a new Enhancement Strategy for Ennistymon is regarded as timely by the Ennistymon Town Team, which is a group of residents, community workers and business people working in partnership with the Clare Local Development Company.

Architect, Helena McElmeel of Helena McElmeel Architects recalled last summer 320 submissions and ideas were put forward by businesses and residents about ways to improve Ennistymon, focusing primarily on the town centre.

These submissions were examined and translated into design proposals for the town that are on display during the latest public consultation phase.

Ms McElmeel confirmed parking and traffic are key issues that people would like to see addressed and the latter should be resolved by the Inner Relief Road, subject to planning approval.

“We want to provide facilities for older people to stop and rest when they are going to the shop. We have looked at creating a play trail through the town for young children in addition to looking for a location for a new playground.

“We want to come up with proposals that will make the town more comfortable for people to spend more time in socialising and purchasing items in shops.

“The provision of a new bridge will be a significant driver to how quickly things can change and Ennistymon can thrive from that.

“The provision of a new pedestrian bridge would reinforce Ennistymon as a destination in its own right. There is an indicative line for a Greenway through the town.”

She said there was great collaboration between the council, architects, Ennistymon Town Team and members of the public.

It is estimated there will be a net increase of 20 additional car parking spaces in the town, in addition to another three coach parking spaces.

The new proposals include two new car parks in the town and a pedestrian crossing. One of the ideas for the an upgraded accessible town square with an informal performance space and amenity parking.

Taking the theme of The Cascades, it is proposed to provide tiered steps with seating to break up the steps. There are also plans to make the space in front of the courthouse more amenity friendly.

Ennistymon Town Team secretary, Maude Hogan said the architects are very receptive to ideas from locals and were not foisting their ideas on people.

Ms Hogan said people appreciated the extensive public engagement on this new strategy following concerns about the lack of public consultation concerning the controversy surrounding the siting of the Púca sculpture.

Paul Conway said people want to see playgrounds for children and places for elderly people to rest, which sometimes can overlap.

He said the current traffic congestion is not encouraging people to stop off in the town, which it is hoped will be addressed by the new bridge crossing.

“If we can get local employees working in shops to park a bit outside the town, this will free up spaces for shoppers.

“If one-way traffic is introduced in Monastery Lane, this will keep traffic flowing.”

He said the current proposals are subject to change depending on the general consensus from the consultation.

Councillor Shane Talty said Ennistymon has huge potential to develop even further from the Enhancement Strategy, particularly if traffic congestion is removed from the town.

He outlined the ES provides the blueprint for new facilities, which will encourage more visitors to stop and enjoy the town.

“Ennistymon is a hub for North Clare. People are coming from as north as Kinvara and as west from Miltown to shop. There is a vibrancy and positive buzz in the town, which we want to build on.

“The draft plan includes a provision for three coach parking spaces, which is something we have been calling for a long time. If a location is provided for coaches to stop in the town, this is something that can be built on.

“The consultants who have engaged extensively with local people have put forward proposals for every corner of the town. They are trying to bring some of the side streets back to life.”

He encouraged people to make submissions to yoursay.clarecoco.ie/enhancing-ennistymon

before March 8. People can also view information boards in the local library.