This article is from page 21 of the 2012-11-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
ENNIS Town Council needs to work towards a long-term policy of increased pedestrianisation in Ennis, a meeting has heard.
The message came as the council announced details of its Christmas pedestrianisation programme.
O’Connell Street and the lower part of O’Connell Square will be closed to traffic from 12 noon to 6pm on December 15, 22, 23 and 24.
Abbey Street and the upper part of O’Connell Square will remain open to traffic during the festival period.
In a report, Town Clerk Leonard Cleary said the council must consider “the signal that these intermittent pedestrianisation pilot periods are sending to customers and visitors to Ennis”.
Mr Cleary stated that while there are “historical objections to full pedestrianisation of Abbey Street, The Square and O’Connell Street are acknowledged, the feedback from customers is that pedestrianisation is a preferable experience in some new areas of the town.”
He added, “Ennis Town Council needs to be working towards a longterm solution regarding some increased level of pedestrianisation or indeed a compromise that presents a continuous trial in at least one of the three additional proposed areas.”
Mr Cleary stated that pedestriani- sation remains an objective of the Ennis and Environs Development Plan.
Mr Cleary stated that imminent opening of the Inner Relief Road would offer improved access to a town centre pedestrianised area.
Town Manager Ger Dollard said the road is expected to open in November.
Mr Dollard said the council’s place names committee would bring for ward suggestions for the name of the road next month.
Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) said ‘Bothar na Rince’ had been suggested as one possible name.
Free parking will be in place during December up to 12 noon daily as part of the Christmas Pedestrianisation Initiative.
Mayor of Ennis Peter Considine (FF) said it was important that staff of shops are encouraged to free up parking spaces for shoppers.
Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said every space taken up a staff member represents a loss to business of € 250 per space.
Mr Cleary said the council had received a submission on pedestrianisation from Ennis Chamber of Commerce. He said Gardaí had no objection to pedestrianisation.
Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) urged the council to write to businesses in Abbey Street and Parnell Street as historically they had not been represented by the Chamber.