A DETAILED design and locations for bus stops as part of plans to develop an Ennis town bus service is expected to be completed by the National Transport Authority within the first nine months of this year.

The establishment of the bus service has been described as “crucial” by Councillor Johnny Flynn who, at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, urged that preparations begin immediately to ensure infrastructure is in place to support the service.

Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, stated that the provision of the service “has been a priority for all involved in the delivery of services for the former Ennis Town Council-Clare County Council Ennis Area and Ennis Municipal District Council.”

And he said the council will assist the NTA in the “timely completion” of required infrastructure designs and installation.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Flynn welcomed the news that the NTA plan to have a two route Ennis bus service in operation by early 2025. He called on Clare County Council to plan and design for “essential related on-street bus service infrastructure” including up to 70 or 80 bus stops.

He acknowledged the work undertaken by the local authority towards the planned establishment of the long awaited service, alongside other measures which the council has undertaken to improve mobility.

The councillor added that a “significant number” of existing bus stops around the town are in need of upgrading. Councillor Pat Daly described the introduction of a bus service as “fantastic for the town”. “It mightn’t happen for two years, but I feel it will be worth waiting for and now is the time to plan ahead,” he said.

Councillor Tom O’Callaghan expressed his belief that the service “will make a huge impact on the life and soul of the town.”

Councillor Paul Murphy stated he is looking forward to the implementation of the service saying “it will be a massive addition to the town, taking traffic out which can only be a positive.”

Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy praised the collaboration between the Ennis Municipal District and the NTA. Councillor Mary Howard requested that the current bus stops be monitored to see what infrastructure is needed, suggesting covered bus stops be provided.

“We are in the West of Ireland and it rains a lot,” she said.

Eamon O’Dea, Senior Executive Engineer, responding to the motion stated, “The provision of a Town Public Bus Service for Ennis has been a priority for all involved in the delivery of services for the former Ennis Town Council-Clare County Council Ennis Area and Ennis Municipal District Council.

“At a recent briefing to Councillors, the NTA Public Bus Team outlined their intention to have the detailed design and locations of bus stops completed during Q1 – Q3 of 2023. The Council has outlined to the NTA Public Bus Team that we will assist in the timely completion of the required infrastructure designs and installation for the Ennis Town Public Bus Service.”

Leonore O’Neill, Senior Executive Officer, told the meeting the final bus could run along a new route and it would be “premature” to examine the existing infrastructure until the council receives details of planned stops from the NTA.