This article is from page 14 of the 2013-07-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A REPORT on proposed changes to the market area of Ennis has recommended major improvements to access and the appearance of the town’s main market trading area.
A preliminary report by architect Richard Rice says trading activity should be retained in Market Street and Market Place but urges infrastructural improvements to both areas.
The report, commissioned by Ennis Town Council, looked at the entire Ennis Market area with particular reference to the provision of covered markets.
On the future of Market Street and Market Place, the report stated, “These market areas would represent the traditional market traders with larger stalls and farmers selling their vegetables directly to the public. In our consideration of these two locations, we would see market activity being retained at these locations but it would be important to improve the public realm in order to improve the overall visual appearance and function of the market in these areas.”
The report recommends widening public footpaths and reducing road width to make the area safer for pedestrian use.
It also proposes removing the existing market roundabout to “convert the footprint of this area to pedestrian space, incorporating the sculptures into that space”.
The assessment undertaken looked at a variety of locations in Ennis town. These looked at the existing markets locations at Market Place, Market Street, Garraunakilla.
The report also looked at other locations in the town centre including Wood Quay, Parnell Street car-park, Abbey Street car park, spaces adjacent to Temple Gate Hotel and Clare County Museum, Old Barrack Street and Lysaght’s Lane.
However in preliminary assessment, the report concludes that the “market needed to be retained at its historical base Market Place and Market Street with consideration of Garraunakilla (location of existing Farmers Artisan Market) and Lysaght’s Lane (existing surface car park located “behind O’Connell Street / Parnell Street”.
The report considered Garraunakilla to be “challenged as a market location”.
The report states that the footprint for expansion would involve taking in a public roadway; the location is removed from the retail core of the town. “The location is challenged by traffic being immediately adjacent to the market location which would be seen as a concern for parents and their children,” it adds.
The report strongly recommends the northern elevation of Garraunakilla to develop appropriate retail activity. It also recommends the inclusion of a covered area and a kiosk if Garraunakilla is retained as a Farmer’s Market.