Fear has been expressed that a major redevelopment set to take place in the county town will have devastating consequences for local business and anti-social behaviour due to unnecessary road closures.
It comes as the second phase of the €11.5 million Ennis public regeneration project is set to get underway next month.
The project will hope to deliver a modern and attractive civic space in the town centre with the overall goal of increasing footfall in the Central Business District and encouraging further spending in local retail outlets.
Barrack Square and Old Barrack Street will be developed as a ‘café quarter’, while O’Connell Square and O’Connell Street will be furnished with an expanded seating plaza , an interactive public fountain and a removable marquee at ‘The Height’.
The works will also see major upgrades to the streetscape of Ennis, which will entail measures such as road widening to support ease of access for cyclists and pedestrians whilst maintaining vehicular access.
Shovels are expected to go into the ground from October 23rd, with the overall project expected to be completed by late 2025.
Although phased road closures will be in place to facilitate works and minimise traffic disruption, a former Mayor of Ennis believes the manner in which they have been scheduled will have devastating consequences.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn believes closing O’Connell street while no construction work is underway will unnecessarily deny access to the emergency services and result in a major loss of earnings for traders.
The Ennis Municipal District meanwhile, claims that some areas of the town will briefly remain closed when no works are underway to prevent public confusion.
Director of Economic Development , Carmel Kirby insists, however, that the impact on commerce and mobility will remain under constant review.
