This article is from page 20 of the 2008-02-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
TALKS over a timetable for pedes- trianisation in Ennis will get under- way at the end of the month.
It follows yesterday’s monthly meet- ing of Ennis Town Council where the results of a survey carried out on December 20, 21 and 22 revealed a largely favourable response to pedes- trianisation in Ennis at Christmas.
The survey, carried out for Ennis Town Council by Amarach research, found that between 79-81 per cent of respondents indicated that pedes- triaisation was a good idea in each
of the four areas surveyed. The four areas surveyed were Abbey Street, O’Connell Street, O’Connell Square and Lower Market Street.
Town Clerk Eddie Power said he expected talks between Ennis Town Council and the local business com- munity would resume at the end of February. “The next stage would be to meet with traders from the areas to see when and what days would be the most suitable. I would suggest a meeting take place in February with a final report to be presented at the March meeting,” he said.
The survey found that the principal
reasons given by those who viewed pedestrianisation positively was that it improved safety (58 per cent), cre- ated a more pleasant atmosphere (38 per cent) and that it would be easier to get around (37 per cent). Some 41 per cent of those surveyed cited this as a reason. 273 people were polled for this section of the survey.
46 per cent respondents felt that parking facilities were conveniently located and facilitate shopping in Ennis. However, this opinion var- ies between drivers and non-drivers, with just 35 per cent of drivers agree- ing with the convenience of parking
facilities.
The key reasons given by those who view pedestrianisation nega- tively were concerns about vehicular access to the streets, concerns about getting around and concerns about access to shops and banks.
96 per cent of respondents felt their frequency of shopping would not de- crease, with 36 per cent indicating they would shop more often in Ennis should the streets be pedestrianised.
SW ilo Kom sku hd ucoeelo NL MBDOMMAOlomeler-Nene ber that the introduction of pedestri- anisation was now a matter of “when’ and not ‘if’.