More research needed on Purple Flag process

ENNIS is “not anywhere near” the stage of applying for a Purple Flag, the award recognising excellence in the management of safe town centres at night, according to town clerk Leonard Cleary.
Speaking at a recent meeting of Ennis Town Council, Mr Cleary said a lot more research has to be done and lessons to be learned from the UK before Ennis applies for the award.
He also suggested a possible visit to the UK to see how the Purple Flag award has worked for towns and cities there.
At a meeting of the municipal policy committee last month, it was agreed that the Purple Flag pathfinder process would be pursued and that Promote Ennis would be the applicant, with the gardaí and Ennis Town Council supporting the process.
At this month’s meeting, Councillor Johnny Flynn emphasised that towns with a vibrant night-time economy have a much wider appeal. He outlined it has been shown “towns and cities in the UK that have a high quality of night-time economy tend to survive the pressures of recession”.
Councillor Tommy Brennan said it is important to look at the cost of the initiative and what gains can be got from it, while Councillor Peter Considine was of the opinion that anything that would benefit the town’s economy is welcome.
However, he cautioned there could be issues surrounding night-time events due to the narrowness of the town’s streets.
Councillor Brian Meaney described the initiative as “worthwhile” and said the costs involved would need to be assessed.
Mayor of Ennis Councillor Michael Guilfoyle stated there needs to be encouragement for tourists to come to Ennis. “Once six o’clock comes, there is no business open. There is nothing to keep them here.”
However, he warned if the town does get a Purple Flag and there are any problems in the area, “it could do more damage than good and we would be getting all the bad headlines, rather than the good stuff”.
Councillor Flynn, chairperson of the MPC and Councillor Paul O’Shea, chairperson of the Joint Policing Committee, were among those who attended an information meeting in Dublin on the Purple Flag initiative.
At the information meeting, Councillor Flynn said he felt the Purple Flag is a fantastic brand and he would like Ennis to become the friendliest town in Ireland.
Also at the meeting, Superintendent Peter Duff stated the crime rate in Ennis is below the national average and there are no major public order issues.
He explained Ennis does not have major crime problems usually and assaults are down by 16% on last year. He added this is due to the present economic climate, as people are not socialising as much.
Councillor O’Shea referred to the visit of Muhammad Ali in 2009 and how it attracted international media to the town.
Martin Blackwell, chief executive of the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM), confirmed the organisation would ideally like four places in the Republic of Ireland to become involved with the Purple Flag programme.