This article is from page 15 of the 2013-02-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
PARTNERSHIPS between local authorities, the business sector and the emergency services has been highlighted as the key factor in Ennis’ successful Purple Flag application, details of which were announced yesterday.
Ennis has become the first town in Ireland to earn the international award, which aims to broaden the appeal of night time destinations.
Ennis and Dublin’s Business Improvement District were yesterday named recipients of the Purple Flag, an award handed out by the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) in England. It is hoped the award will help enhance Ennis’ appeal as a tourism destination.
According to the judging panel, a key part of the success of both the Dublin and Ennis applications for this award was the partnership approach taken by Ennis Town Council, Promote Ennis, Shannon Development, Ennis Gardaí and the business community represented by Ennis Chamber and Ennis taxis.
The Purple Flag accreditation required excellence in the area of five criteria. The town centre that receives the award must score highly in wellbeing (safety and cleanliness), movement (traffic flow and public transport), broad appeal (appeal for people of all ages and interests), place (vitality and cultural stimulation), and policy envelope (clear aim).
In a statement, the Purple Flag judging panel stated, “The final criterion is the most important – policy and planning. A Purple Flag designated centre must have a clear sense of purpose and a plan for continued success. Dublin’s Creative Quarter and Dame District and Ennis fitted all five criteria perfectly and exemplify what it means to be a Purple Flag honouree.”
Brian O’Neill, Chairman of Promote Ennis, said, “We are delighted to be the first town in Ireland accredited with the prestigious international Purple Flag award proving Ennis’ claim to be the Friendliest Town in Ireland. It is a huge honour and credit to the town, the people of Ennis and Clare and our dynamic working group – a collaboration incorporating the Ennis’ business community, Ennis Town Council, Shannon Development and Ennis Gardaí. Visitors to the town can enjoy a vibrant, appealing, well-managed and safe evening and nighttime economy. This distinguished accreditation brings with it increased tourism potential for Ennis and ranks the county town among over 35 towns and cities in UK who are proudly flying Purple Flag, many of which have direct connections into Shannon Airport.”
Martin Blackwell, CEO, The Association of Town Centre Management UK, commented, “Analysis of visitor numbers in towns and cities that hold the Purple Flag status on average see a 10 per cent increase in footfall numbers and as a result this can lead to increased revenue for the area. With 35 cities in the UK holding the coveted status, Dublin and Ennis are the first locations outside of the UK to win the award. It’s a great achievement and we hope to see more towns and cities in Ireland following in their footsteps in the future.”