Concern Over Parking Plans In Abbey Street Redevelopment Project

Image (c) Pat Flynn

An Ennis trader is concerned that the planned redevelopment of the Abbey Street carpark in Ennis will result in the suffocation of business opportunities in the town.

A planning application is due to be lodged this year for the first project of the Ennis 2040 DAC.

The Abbey Street Carpark Redevelopment is the first project of the Ennis 2040 DAC programme and will see the parking lot replaced by a large retail and office development.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

The proposed development is expected to generate over 100 permanent jobs when completed, 200 jobs during construction and a footfall of 20,000 into the town centre.

A Planning application for the project will be lodged in mid-2023, with plans for an interim car park to offset any loss of parking to be lodged in the first half of this year.

Mayor of Ennis, Fianna Fáil Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, says while the long-term plan is to become less car-dependent, short-term parking solutions will be found to replace the spaces lost in Abbey Street.

One Ennis trader is concerned, however, that the plans for parking don’t go far enough.

John O’Connor, from Custy’s Music Shop fears barriers like this could prove counter-productive and end up suffocating the town.

You can listen back to the full interview below.