TRADERS in Ennis who have been “split” due to opposing views on pedestrianisation could be drawn together through the reintroduction of a town wide paint scheme for businesses, it has been suggested.
Councillor Pat Daly made the proposal at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District where he was informed that talks are underway between the Council and the Local Enterprise Office to determine whether or not it is possible.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Daly stated, “Everyone knows a lot of the traders were split, but I think if we could revive the paint scheme for businesses in the town it might reunite them. It was done before and there was great excitement in the town and it looked great.”
Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Paul Murphy, commented that he also received representations from businesses urging that a paint scheme be introduced.
He told the meeting that he has spoken with the council executive and has been told contact with be made with the Local Enterprise Office with a view to seeing if support is available for the setting up of a scheme.
Councillor Ann Norton commented, “It’s important that we support this, we need to try and bring our community back together, especially the retail community.
“I think this is a fantastic opportunity for a paint scheme to be introduced to the Ennis Municipal District.
“A lot of businesses could do with a lift and a bit of financial support to rejuvenate their buildings now that we are starting to see the reopening of businesses. There is an opportunity here for a feel-good factor, and I think it is something we should be really looking at.”
Councillor Johnny Flynn recalled that the initial Ennis town centre paint scheme introduced ahead of the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2016 was “hugely successful.”
He backed the call for a new scheme saying businesses have been badly hit by Covid-19 restrictions while ongoing construction works are also having an impact on the appearance of buildings in the town.
“We should do this as a token of support for these businesses that have been affected,” he said.
Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy quipped, “It would be wonderful to see, and it would give us all a lift. We all need a face-lift after what we have been through, and so do our buildings in the town of Ennis.”
Senior executive officer Leonore O’Neill confirmed that she has spoken with the Local Enterprise Office in relation to the proposal, and will come back to the councillors when an update is available.