Garda presence necessary for pedestrianisation

NEW plans for the pedestrianisation of the main streets in Ennis at weekends will not work unless there is a visible garda presence, Councillor Tony Mulqueen has warned.
“If you close the streets to traffic, you need a visible garda presence. You also need to have parking for shops to facilitate deliveries and collections,” he said.
Councillor Mulqueen said some shops in Ennis had to close their premises on St Patrick’s Day because of children engaging in anti-social behaviour, using spray paint and shaving foam.
His comments came following a proposal from Councillor James Breen to pedestrianise the streets in Ennis for the month of June and July between 5 to 10pm on Fridays; 5pm to 9pm on Saturdays and 11am to 6pm on Sundays.
Councillor Breen explained that most shops in Ennis are closed at 6pm, which provides ample time to facilitate collections or deliveries.
Even in large cities in other counties, he explained that local authorities had managed to remove all cars to facilitate easier access for pedestrians on Sundays.
Councillor Brian Meaney proposed that councillors forward this proposal to Ennis Town Council for its consideration.
Ennis Town Council commenced a pilot pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street and Abbey Street in 2010 but abandoned this after a short period following objections from local traders, who were concerned about a sudden drop in business.
Director of services, Ger Dollard acknowledged the council need to build a case for pedestrianisation with local traders to deal with their concerns.
Mr Dollard said the council hoped to see no cars on streets at night in the future, which complemented the Purple Flag initiative to bring a new lease of life to the night-time economy.
Unless pedestrianisation is introduced, he explained the provision of cafés on the street wouldn’t work.
Ennis Town Clerk, Leonard Cleary confirmed the pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street and Abbey Street is an objective of the current 2008 to 2014 Ennis and Environs Development Plan.
Since the 2010 pilot project, Ennis Town Council has since undertaken a series of pedestrianisation initiatives in selected streets and areas aimed at delivering a unique customer and visitor experience.
Pilot pedestrianisation periods in Ennis were preceded by public consultation.
According to Mr Cleary, these pedestrianisation initiatives have been designed to maximise the level of business generated for commercial rate-payers in the town.
“The recent Christmas Day and St Patrick’s Day pedestrianisation pilots were combined with a free parking incentive. Feedback received by Ennis Town Council from customers of local shops/businesses, proprietors, employees and tourists were exceptionally positive in relation to both the free parking and pedestrianisation initiatives for certain selected areas.
“During the recent public listening process for developing an Ennis Hub Strategy, Ennis Town Council has received a very strong indication that customers wish the council to develop a permanent pedestrianisation experience.
“The matter will continue to be progressed with the elected members of Ennis Town Council, which is the statutory authority for the area,” he said.