A former Mayor of Ennis claims elected representatives have been left in the dark on the detail of proposals to redevelop the Abbey Street Car Park.
It comes as the Ennis 2040 DAC is set to host a number of public consultations next week on its plans to construct a three-storey mixed use development at the site.
Over €2.2m has so far been spent by the special purpose vehicle of Clare County Council on design and feasibility studies for projects at Abbey Street, Harvey’s Quay, Post Office Field and Francis Street under the Ennis 2040 Strategy.
The most controversial of these has proved to be the Abbey Street redevelopment, where the Designated Activity is planning to construct a multi-storey complex on the existing car park.
The proposed building will consist of a large retail space at ground and first floor with office accommodation on the upper floors, a raised river walkway is also proposed along the northern edge of the building as well as space for recreation and leisure.
The Ennis 2040 DAC is set to unveil its plans over a number of public engagements next week and a former Mayor of Ennis claims that up until this point, “elected representatives have been left in the dark.”
With 128 parking spaces to be lost through the Abbey Street plans, Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn says locals must use this urgent opportunity to voice their concerns as strongly as possible.
The proposal has met fierce opposition from local lobby groups when most recently in October, Save Ennis Town delivered a petition with 3,700 signatures to Ennis Mayor Pat Daly, citing concerns over the potential impact of major parking deficits.
Ennis 2040 DAC is urging members of the public to take a more “open minded” approach though.
All told, developments under the Strategy are expected to create over 200 long-term jobs and generate €3.5 million of economic activity in the county each year, as well as boosting footfall by up to 20,000 visitors per week.
Ennis 2040 Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Corrigan says while people are concerned about their livelihoods, it’s crucial that the benefits on offer are recognised.
Public Consultation meetings on the Abbey Street Development will take place next Tuesday evening from 5 until 7pm at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis, on Wednesday from 6 to 8pm at the Barefield Community Centre and on Thursday from 7 to 9pm at Clarecastle National School.
You can listen to the full interview below.
