Tag Archives: Ennis Municipal District

A VISION for the future of Ennis will be launched this Friday by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD. The much anticipated Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy is, according to Clare County Council, “a bold vision to deliver economic investment and make housing, jobs, amenity and services easier to access for all. The strategy is about building communities and creating one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit.” The strategy has set out ambitious growth targets and proposes the prioritisation of sustainable economic activities that will grow its population on average by 1.6% per annum and deliver an additional 5,000 jobs by 2040. Nine transformational projects have been identified through which the Ennis 2040 vision can be realised. The projects deliver on the concept of the ‘10-minute town’, attracting investment and delivering quality of life. In the implementation of this strategy Ennis will become Ireland’s first Climate Adaptive …

DIVIDED opinion on car-free streets in Ennis has prompted the local authority to carry out a first of its kind public survey. The local authority is planning to give the public their say on the future of pedestrianisation in the county capital. The Ennis Municipal District is urging people to get involved with the two-week survey which opens to the public this Friday. Leonore O’Neill, senior executive officer Ennis Municipal District said, “We strongly encourage people to take part in this survey, this is a huge opportunity. “We received hundreds of emails throughout the Covid-19 Mobility Plan about pedestrianisation from people of all walks of life. “It is really important that we get as many responses to this survey as possible. This is the first time we have gone out and undertaken a full survey of pedestrianisation and the results will inform future decisions. “This is people’s opportunity to have their say in shaping the future of their town.” In …

Councillor highlights ‘traffic mayhem’ in Ennis with delivery drivers unable to access parking spots THE “abuse” of loading bays in Ennis’ town centre is the cause of much of the traffic congestion on the streets of the county capital, according to the deputy mayor. Speaking at a meeting of Ennis Municipal District, Councillor Paul Murphy hit out at those who do not use loading bays correctly as well as those parking on double yellow lines saying he experienced “mayhem” in the town while driving during the summer months. The councillor was speaking as calls were made for the provision of additional loading bays to be installed on every retail street and car park in the town. Councillor Johnny Flynn proposed the idea saying delivery drivers are being left “frustrated” when they cannot find a loading bay to bring goods to the town’s businesses. He pointed out the vast majority of businesses on O’Connell Street do not have rear access for …

PLANS to improve the accessibility of Ennis’ town centre, including upgrading disabled parking spaces, have been approved by the Ennis Municipal District. The proposals involve works at Friary Carpark, Abbey Street Carpark and Lower Market Street. Discussions had been held at the design stage with the local branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association whose views were taken on board. According to Barry Conway, executive engineer, “The progression of this scheme will be of great benefit to the local community and visitors to the town and will make the area safe in terms of accessibility and safety of travel.” Details of the plans were outlined at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, with councillors giving their backing to the proposals. The works involve: upgrading of disabled parking spaces to meet current standards; adjustment to footways; provision of kerbing and dropped kerbs; provision of uncontrolled pedestrian crossing; provision of all associated signage and road markings, and associated drainage and ancillary …

AN historic area of Ennis with the highest vacancy rate in the town “risks further decline” unless regeneration action is taken, a meeting of the local authority has been warned. Calls have been made on the Ennis Municipal District by Councillors Johnny Flynn, Ann Norton and Clare Colleran Molloy to “urgently” develop an action plan for Chapel Lane. Speaking at the monthly meeting of the local authority Councillor Flynn suggested that Chapel Lane could be redeveloped to facilitate artists to live and work in the area, spearheading further regeneration of the town. “With the public realm upgrade of Parnell Street and the 29 lanes and bow-ways I believe that developing a regeneration of Chapel Lane to, for example assist artists and crafters working and living in the lane, could be a blueprint for regeneration of other areas of the historic town centre,” he said. Recalling the history of the lane he outlined that the Historic Town Atlas of Ennis map …

THE family of the late Tim Smythe has described the development of a new dressing room building at the Ennis park which bears his name as “amazing”. On Tuesday the new development, costing in the region of €500,000, was officially launched by the local authority at Tim Smythe Park. Michael Smythe, son of the late athlete and politician, told The Clare Champion he believes his father would have been thrilled at what has been done in his name. “It is absolutely amazing. He was never a person that sought out thanks or praise, but he would absolutely have been happy with this. “The dressing rooms are just a fantastic addition to what has already been done here. I remember when I used to come here to play with Lifford, this is just so amazing to see.” Michael, now based in the US, added that his father would have been particularly delighted with the park’s running track. “That was his love …

ENNIS’ Market building, described this week as a “glorified car park”, should be put in the hands of trustees operating independently from the local authority, a meeting of councillors has heard. Councillor Pat Daly believes that Limerick’s Milk Market may provide the inspiration for “positive ideas for the future promotion of the Market Building at Market Street, Ennis.” Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Ennis Municipal District he urged that a visit be organised for councillors and staff within the local authority to the market in Limerick. Backing the proposal, Councillor Johnny Flynn suggested that the market building could be leased out by the council to a group of public/private trustees. He estimated the Council could charge between €25,000 and €30,000 a year for use of the building giving “a good return” to the local authority. The market building was constructed at a cost of €500,000 as part of a €1.75m redevelopment of the market area in 2016. Councillor …

THE Mayor of Ennis has urged the local authority to get on their bikes and invest in tandem cycles for the county capital which she believes would promote “inclusion around our beautiful town”, writes Jessica Quinn. Speaking at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Councillor Ann Norton suggested the Council look into the possibility of purchasing ‘Fun2Go’ side by side tandem bikes. Seeking support for the proposal she pointed out September was World Alzheimer’s month. “Research has shown that exercise is good for people with dementia. Moving ensures that the mental deterioration slows down. You improve your thinking skills, restlessness, passivity and your blood circulation with exercise.  “Multi-person bikes offer people the opportunity to move together. With the Van Raam Fun2Go side-by-side tandem you can sit comfortably next to each other while enjoying a great bike ride. “Because you sit next to each other, the supervisor can keep a close eye on the co-driver and assess whether he/she is still …