This article is from page 4 of the 2011-10-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
POLITICAL pressure against a controversial proposal to change Ennis’ development plan to pave the way for the development of a major retail outlet on the outskirts of the county capital has been ramped up this week.
Labour Party TD Michael McNamara has told The Clare People that “the historic centre of Ennis” as a retail centre has to be maintained, something that only be achieved if local public representatives turn down an application to change the provisions of the Ennis and Environs Development Plan 2008-2014.
In issuing a statement that, Deputy McNamara has warned that any move to develop “a major shopping centre in the Tobertaoscain area is not in the long term interests of Ennis”.
His comments come in the wake of last week’s report from County Manager, Tom Coughlan, which said changes to the development plan are “not appropriate” as he recommended to members of Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council that “no modifications are made to the proposed original variation of April 2011”.
“The decision is a difficult one, as the temporary gain of construction jobs and employment expectations in a shopping complex, has to be balanced against the inevitable damage to the existing town centre, in terms of jobs lost and businesses closed,” said Deputy McNamara.
“Overall, the proposal for the Limerick Road area will create the classic doughnut effect whereby business moves from the centre to the edge leaving a degraded space in the middle.
“In a buoyant retail environment, it might be argued that both could survive. That is not the climate in which we are living and it is unlikely to prevail for some time. Our priority must be to maintain and develop the historic centre of Ennis,” he said.
“Only the elected councillors have the power to make or refuse such change. It is a difficult decision and places a heavy burden of responsibility of their shoulders. It is one of the most important questions to come before them for a long time and the implications of their decision will impact on Ennis for many years to come,” Deputy McNamara warned.