It’s being argued that recent fuel protests have brought the importance of financial responsibility regarding Ennis 2040 back into focus.
This week’s meeting of Ennis’s local elected representatives has heard a call for transparency in relation to the money spent on the regeneration of the county town to date.
At the April Ennis Municipal District meeting, Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan has requested a report on the total costs incurred by, or on behalf of the Ennis 2040 Designated Activity Company since its establishment.
The call comes in the context of a €10 million loan approved by elected members of Clare County Council for Ennis 2040 in June of 2021.
Speaking to Clare FM last May, Ennis 2040 Interim Chief Operating Officer Padraic McElwee said he was “very confident” the loan would be repaid and that the strategy would have a “tremendous benefit” to Ennis and the wider county.
Councillor Tom O’Callaghan claims it’s unclear whether the company is generating any revenue at present.
The reply to the motion tabled this week states that while Ennis 2040 is 100% owned by Clare County Council, it’s a separate legal entity.
This means it’s subject to an external independent audit and its expenditure isn’t included in Clare County Council’s annual financial statements.
Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle believes there’s never been more interest in the appropriate use of public money.
Listen to the full interview here
*Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
