This article is from page 20 of the 2013-11-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
CONCERN has been expressed that the designation of buildings as protected structures is killing off some of the oldest businesses in the town.
A special meeting of Ennis Town Council will take place later this month after councillors yesterday chose not to adopt the town manager’s recommendation that 183 buildings in Ennis be retained on the record of protected structures.
Councillors have sought a meeting with the county conservation officer to highlight concerns they have over aspects of the policy.
Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) told the meeting the high cost of renovating properties that are protected structures is unfair to owners.
Cllr Meaney said the policy also runs contrary to the council’s aim of encouraging more people to live in the town centre.
He said the council could adopt a policy that protects the built character and heritage of the town while at the same time affording property owners the flexibility to renovate their businesses using modern building methods and materials.
Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) said protected structure status had prevented the owners of Keane’s on O’Connell Street from extending their business.
Highlighting the example of one of the town’s oldest shops, Pyne’s on Abbey Street, Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said it was a small family-run business that could not afford the cost of maintaining and renovating the building due to the high cost of carrying out work to a protected structure.
“It’s a one of a kind, a dying kind and are we going to kill it further?” he added.
Town Manager Gerard Dollard said that while he agreed there should be some State support to cover the cost of such works, “If members wish to change this they better have very good and valid reasons for doing so.”
He told the meeting the council is statutorily obliged to make a decision on the protected structures list before the end of the month.
A special meeting to discuss the matter will take place on Tuesday, November 19, at 5pm in Waterpark House.