It’s claimed Ennis needs to introduce free parking during busy periods of the year to boost footfall in the town.
It comes amid new research from PWC Ireland showing retail insolvencies have increased by 35% since the beginning of the year.
Online shopping and the proliferation of out-of-town shopping centres have been attributed as two of the leading threats to traditional main street retailers.
EuroGiant , Claire’s and Monsoon are among the chain stores that have closed all of their retail outlets nationwide this year.
Additionally, the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association estimates that more than 100 local independent shops will be added to this list every year.
Retailers of Ennis chairperson and owner of Custy’s Music Shop John O’Connor believes the introduction of free parking during the summer and for special events would attract more customers to the town instead of shopping centres.
A Lahinch retailer claims a lack of parking enforcement in his area is negatively impacting trade in the seaside town.
Robert Kennedy, of Kennedy’s Spar in Lahinch says the local authority needs to improve its engagement.
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