There’s been mixed reaction to plans to pedestrianise parts of Ennis from Wednesday this week.
Clare County Council has made the announcement, as part of efforts to ensure that social distancing is possible, as the easing of restrictions get underway.
From Wednesday, traffic won’t be allowed on some streets in Ennis between 7am and 6pm each day.
Clare County Council has made the decision to pedestrianise parts of the town following consultation with a stakeholder group comprising of representatives from businesses, the community, and the public sector.
The move will be made to allow social distancing in the town, and to facilitate businesses reopening as part of the government’s phased plan for the country.
Senior Executive Officer with the Ennis Municipal District, Leonore O’Neill says that the issue of parking was given extra consideration in drafting the plans.
The current plans for pedestrianising Ennis town centre are subject to change and the public and business owners are welcome to contact Ennis chamber with any concerns or comments on the plans.
For Ennis Chamber, safety was paramount in any discussion in drafting the plans.
CEO of Ennis Chamber Margaret O’Brien says that pedestrianisation was the only choice to allow businesses to safely reopen.
But some businesses are concerned over the impact of pedestrianising parts of the town.
While Paul Cusack, from Rene Cusack Fishmongers in the Market says he’s generally in support of pedestrianisation, he’s concerned over the level of consultation with the businesses that will be affected.
Michael Glynn, Clare FM, first for local news.
