have predicted.
Recent developments in Limer- ick city will present an even greater challenge to Clare, with the green light being given to the €250 mil- lion Opera Centre shopping complex as well as the opening of Tesco at the massive Coonagh Cross facility, which will open fully in April.
Marks and Spencer have announced they will come to the Crescent while a €150 million Parkway Valley retail development is planned on the Dub- lin road, along with major refurbish- ments of the Parkway and Arthur’s Quay shopping centres.
Clare businessman Tom O’Callaghan, who has extensive business interests on William Street, Limerick and who 1s now involved in the building of a new shopping centre for that area, believes the improve- ments are good for both counties.
“My thinking is that anywhere there is progression, that’s a step forward,” said the Kildysart businessman.
“If we have strong developments in both Ennis and Limerick then every- one benefits.
“The important point is that Lim- erick City Council is now working positively with the traders to rejuve- nate the heart of the city.
People still want to go into town to do their shopping and that’s true eve- rywhere,” he said.
Meanwhile, East Clare Fianna Fail councillor Cathal Crowe has asked county manager Alex Fleming to consider a park and ride facility which would reduce traffic and allow people on that side of Clare easier ac- cess to Limerick.