This article is from page 20 of the 2012-10-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
THE festive season could come to the streets of Ennis earlier than usual following a proposal to switch on the town’s Christmas lights in November.
Ennis Town Council is proposing to pedestrianise Abbey Street and O’Connell Street on December 15, 22, 23 and 24.
According to the council, the imminent opening of the Inner Relief Road would facilitate improved traffic flow during the period.
The council is now inviting submissions from members of the public. The matter came before last week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council. Town clerk Leonard Cleary stated that a previous attempt to pedeistrianise Ennis’s man streets was abandoned after traders blamed the policy for a fall in business.
Mr Cleary said the proposal had been brought forward to October to allow “adequate time to progress consultation/procedures following the December meeting”.
He continued, “The implementation of pedestrianisation in Ennis remains an objective of the council as stated in the Ennis and Environs Development Plan. The purpose of the pedestrianisation of these streets on the dates specified is to facilitate shoppers and the general public in terms of ease of movements on days that traditionally would be busy in the town.”
Consultation will now take place with the Gardaí in relation to traffic management. Mr Cleary said discussions have yet to take place with the business community.
Last December parking was applicable to the town’s 759 off-street and 783 on-street public car parking spaces up to 12pm daily on Saturdays during the festive period.
Ennis Chamber of Commerce has called for the council to repeat its 2011 policy. According to Mr Cleary, a proposed Christmas parking incentive will be discussed at the council’s November meeting.
Town manager Gerard Dollard appealed for businesses and members of the public to engage in the consultation process. Mr Dollard said the council is aware of the view that O’Connell Street should be pedestrianised only.
Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) welcomed the proposal, saying that the council should consider switching on the town’s Christmas lights in mid-November to capitalise on and boost festive shopping.
Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) said the street radio initiative introduced in 2011 should be repeated this year.
Looking ahead to next year, Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) urged the council to hold the 2013 St Patrick’s Day parade on a Sunday.
The comment prompted Mr Dollard to jokingly remark, “Let’s get over Christmas first!”