This article is from page 8 of the 2012-03-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
A COVERED market and the possible use of NAMA-owned properties for community spaces are among the proposals put forward in the latest phase of the Ennis 2020 initiative.
The community visioning exercise is the product of a partnership between Ennis Town Council and the University of Limerick.
The main objective of the project is to support the development of a participatory plan for Ennis as a hub town in line with the National Spatial Strategy. Researchers sought the views of people in Ennis when compiling phase one of ‘Ennis 2020 – Planning Beyond Recession’ which was launched last November.
Two public meetings took place in Ennis in recent weeks and a new report outlining the main priorities for economic development in the town has been prepared. The plan proposes a renewed focus on the night-time economy and on developing greater use of riverside locations.
It proposes developing an Ennis venture fund supported by various coordinating agencies that would “provide a one stop shop in one building in the town to support businesses”.
According to the report, businesses should be encouraged to produce low carbon outputs and to explore potentials in areas of waste, water, rain and water harvesting.
Establishing Ennis as a craft food open market to promote local businesses is among the suggestions outlined as part of a potential marketing plan. It states a feasibility study should be carried out to “pursue the idea of a covered market on a specific street or car park and including used of covered areas for more than just markets”.
In the area of Tourism Product Development, Ballyalla Lake should be promoted as a wildlife sanctuary; disused sections of the West Clare railway could be used as walking or cycling routes while the Post Office field should be developed as “natural tourist amenity”. More art galleries street festivals and an outdoor drive in cinema and the use of the historic Abbey for concerts would be of benefit to the town.
The report examines a number of key areas including tourism, the en- vironment, amenities, heritage, culture and accessibility.
In order to make Ennis more accessible, the report states, pedestrianisation should be promoted and developed along with a bus-parking plan. Research should also be conducted into age-friendly parking.
The report also proposes developing a common space for community activity “e.g. a Community Innovation Centre – shared office space, shared meeting spaces, space to informally network, share, co-operate and pro mote community development.”
Sites owned by the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) could be used for this purpose, according to the report.