This article is from page 10 of the 2013-07-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
LONG term plans to develop a market in a car park off Lysaght’s Lane would involve creating an access point from O’Connell Street through the old Moran’s building, a meeting has heard.
The prospect of Ennis Town Council buying the building to connect the car park directly to O’Connell Street was raised at yesterday’s special meeting of Ennis Town Council. Councillors met to discuss a report by architect Richard Rice on plans to develop a covered market in the centre of Ennis.
The Moran’s car park had been identified by the report as the preferred location for the first in a series of phased steps that would significantly alter access and the overall appearance of the market.
The council views the plan as major flagships and legacy project. Mr Rice’s preliminary report stated, “We recommend that the Lysaght’s Lane option be considered for development as the location for the Farmers Artisan Market. It is at the retail core of the town; is within a defined urban space that offers very positive development potential; establishes a pedestrian zone at the town centre; offers opportunities to local business to develop their premises towards the new market location.”
Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) spoke in favour of Mr Rice’s recommendation saying the cost would be significantly less than developing other parts of the market.
Cllr Flynn told the meeting that a number of traders and local businesses had expressed support for the proposal.
However a majority of councillors proposed that the re-development start in Garraunakilla and Barrack Street.
Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) told the meeting that he spoke with conservation officer Dick Cronin about the proposal to put a covered market on Lysaght’s Lane.
He said Mr Cronin is “very much against” the proposal as it is an “architectural heritage area”.
Cllr Paul O’Shea (Ind) requested the council seek a report from Mr Cronin about the proposal.
Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) urged the council to explore the possibility of covering Parnell Street and erecting arches at either end of the street.
He added, “Businesses in Parnell Street are paying rates and they have to be given a chance to come back.”
Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) also called on the council to devote more resources to Parnell Street, claiming it had been left neglected by the Council.
Town clerk Leonard Cleary said the council will look at Parnell Street and will hold discussions with local businesses in Barrack Street about the possibility of a covered market there.