While in previous years Abbey Street has been included in Ennis’ festive pedestrianisation, this year only O’Connell Street will be car-free in the lead-up to Christmas.

The 2012 Christmas Parking and Pedestrianisation Initiative, which is designed to boost shopping in the town over a 37-day period, was launched this week at a meeting of Ennis Town Council.

According to a report by town clerk Leonard Cleary, Ennis Chamber wanted to have pedestrianisation on just one Saturday but it will in fact take place on two, December 15 and 22.

In a report to the council, Mr Cleary stated, “Ennis Town Council advertised its proposal to temporarily close Abbey Street, O’Connell Square and O’Connell Street from 12 noon to 6pm on December 15, 22, 23 and 24, 2012. The purpose of the pedestrianisation of these streets on the dates specified is to facilitate shoppers and the general public in terms of ease of movement on days that traditionally would be busy in town.

“Consultation has taken place with the gardaí in relation to traffic management and with representatives of the business community to determine their views on the proposal.

“The submissions received were reviewed. These included one submission from Ennis Chamber, representing the business community. This submission supported the Christmas pedestrianisation but they would prefer one Saturday of pedestrianisation only. Ennis Chamber endorsed the discussion at the October council meeting to adjust the pedestrianisation area to O’Connell Street only. The gardaí have no objection to pedestrianisation.

“On this basis, a decision has been made to temporarily close O’Connell Street for the dates and times specified above, during Christmas 2012.”

There will also be free on-street and off-street parking up to 12 noon daily from December 1 to January 6. Parking at Cloughleigh car park will be free during the same period.

He called on the public to support Ennis in the coming weeks. “Ennis Town Council is encouraging members of the public to shop locally this Christmas and help to sustain local jobs. Ennis offers excellent value for money and a broad shopping experience and we are delighted to be able to play our part in supporting local businesses,” he said.

Mayor of Ennis Peter Considine also called for support of the county town.

“The proposed pedestrianisation of Ennis on December 15, 22, 23 and 24, coupled with other initiatives in the town that are being supported by Ennis Town Council, should make Ennis a very attractive shopping destination during the festive period.

“I would encourage the staff of shops and business owners in the town to free up spaces close to the town centre for shoppers by using the alternatives provided. I am aware that the business community is very supportive of this initiative and I would like to acknowledge their commitment to developing an active involvement in the incentives for visitors and shoppers,” he concluded.

 

Chamber happy with ‘compromise’

WHILE Ennis Chamber had asked for pedestrianisation to be limited to just one Saturday in December, its CEO Rita McInerney said leaving Abbey Street open will be of assistance to their members and there has been “a good compromise”.

She said chamber members who have retail businesses wanted just one Saturday. “I suppose that was the feedback that came from the members who have retail businesses. I suppose pedestrianisation is contentious and it’s a mixed issue, which depends on where your business is located and the type of business that you are in. People are looking to safeguard their businesses and they want to do their best for their customers.

“I suppose at Christmas traffic is heavier and there are more people in town and there is a need for pedestrianisation when things are busy because you have to safeguard pedestrians as well. There is that need.”

She said it is very hard to predict how busy things will be, particularly with town centre shopping in Ennis suffering from competition with cities and with online shopping.

Ms McInerney said the changes to the areas being pedestrianised are helpful and she is hopeful of a busy build-up to Christmas.

“The spend is down but the latest survey shows that there has been some stability in September and October and we’re hoping there will be a big upturn over the next six weeks. There has been compromise with the closure of O’Connell Street and Abbey Street will be open to traffic. People will be able to go the top of Abbey Street and they can go back to the Parnell Street car park or up to Bank Place for parking. It gives a lot more options. It’s easier to drop off old people and if people have to pick up larger items they are closer. It’s a good compromise,” she said.