This article is from page 4 of the 2011-12-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
PLANS to generate an award winning and booming night-time economy in Ennis have been backed by local Gardaí.
Ennis is seeking to obtain the Purple Flag – a UK-run initiative that recognises a town’s night-time activities and services. Details of plans, which would seek to position Ennis as the west’s night-time tourism destination of choice, were outlined at meeting in the town on Thursday night.
Ennis Town Council is exploring the possibility of bringing the scheme to the town. Members of Ennis’ Municipal Policy Committee (MPC) and local gardaí recently met with Association of Town Centre Managers, the body who adminis- ter the scheme. MPC Chairman and local Fine Gael councillor Johnny Flynn told the meeting that Ennis along with Kildare and Dublin City have expressed an interest in taking part in the scheme.
Cllr Flynn who, along with Garda Supt Peter Duff, met with Purple Flag organisers in Dublin recently, explained that the scheme could provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the local economy. He said that studies have shown that towns and cities with an active night-time economy such as Galway and Cork tend to fare better in times of recession.
He said that night-time businesses account for 27 per cent of turnover in towns and cities in the UK while providing for 5 per cent of employment. He said it is time that local authorities, businesses and emergency services come together to agree that the attractiveness of Ennis at night is improved.
Speaking at Ennis Chamber’s crimewatch meeting, Cllr Flynn said that by meeting the Purple Flag’s strict criteria, Ennis could become a “mini Galway”. Supt Peter Dufff told the meeting that gardaí would support any initiative that makes Ennis more attractive to visitors.
Positive features of the town that could help it gain Purple Flag accreditation, he said, includes a good transport network and a crime rate that compares favourably with other similar sized towns in Ireland.
He said gardaí had noticed a decline in footfall on Ennis’ streets at night in recent years, adding that on some nights gardaí return to the police station at night having “talked to no one”.
Supt Duff explained that public order offences in Ennis are down “considerably” this year. He said this was not just a result of policing but also of the economic impact of the recession.
The Purple Flag is run by the Association of Town Centre Management (UK) and is awarded to towns based on the quality of its nightlife and the types facilities and services in place at night.
In order to qualify for Purple Flag status, successful towns must meet four standards, wellbeing, appeal, movement and place.
Towns are judged on a number of criteria including active policing, safe late night car-parking, public transport, public utilities nightlife and street activities.