This article is from page 14 of the 2011-07-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
MEMBERS of the public in Ennis support pedestrianisation “in some sort or other” a new report about the future development of the town has found.
The findings of Ennis 20/20 – People, Place, Potential – A report on the Community Visioning Exercise – was presented by Dr Chris McInerney of the University of Limerick at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Ennis Town Council.
The main objective of the project was to support the development of a participatory plan for Ennis as a hub town in line with the National Spatial Strategy. The project was supported by the University of Limerick, Ennis Town Council and the Clare Active Citizenship Network.
The opinions of over 300 people were canvassed including those of 30 young people and the opinions of 180 people in Dunnes Stores on a Thursday evening and Saturday morning.
The report presents perspectives on what local people think Ennis will look and feel like in 2020; the strengths and assets on which it can build; how the image of Ennis might be improved and how Ennis might be developed further as an inclusive town. The report found that there is a “strong emphasis on pedestrianisation” with people also wanting an “enhanced relationship between the town and the River Fergus”.
In a section focusing on how improved infrastructure can enhance Ennis, the report found, “The related theme of pedestrianisation was undoubtedly one of the most prominent issues to be raised with all of those mentioned it advocating pedestrianisation of some sort or other, ranging from gradual or partial pedestrianisation to an all out approach taking in all of the town centre.”
Parking also emerged as a key concern for people in Ennis. The report states, “The suggestions ranged from reducing parking charges to designating certain days for free parking to help to stimulate retail sales.”
In a section on Ennis’ Economic Development, “reducing costs to business was also cited as an important factor in stimulating economic activity”.
Dr McInerney told the meeting that there was “divergence of views” on how retail development should proceed in Ennis.
The report states, “On one hand some participants favoured the introduction of large retails outlets as a means of preventing leakage of spending to Limerick and Galway. By contrast, other participants favoured the prioritisation of support for locally-owned specialty shops that would have a capacity to sell local produce, including the development of the town’s market area.”
The public also suggested “friendlier traffic wardens” and “street ambassadors and volountary town guides to assist tourists”.
In the area of ‘Building Cooperation’, the report found that some people are in favour of a “conscious effort” to support integration.
The report adds, “However, for others, further integration was not a priority, emphasis being placed instead on adjusting/improving behaviour, both amongst newly arriving groups and amongst the town’s Traveller population.”