An Ennis businessman has poured cold water over suggestions that a new motorway service station will generate additional footfall for the town or boost the county’s tourism product.
It’s after the development at Kilbreckan, on the outskirts of the town, has been granted planning permission this week.
Eight years of planning and four applications is what it took to get the new Supermac’s Plaza over the line.
Construction is due to get underway in the coming three to four months on the development at Kilbreckan, after it was granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála.
Owner Pat McDonagh yesterday told Clare FM that the development, which is expected to be completed by the end of next year, will generate business for the town and boost tourism across the county.
But one Ennis business owner has dismissed this.
The Old Ground Hotel was one of a number of businesses who’ve raised concerns and it’s owner says it’s vital they continue to fight for the integrity of the town.
Allen Flynn says a development of this scale could result in businesses in Ennis suffering, particularly other filling stations, as well as tourism facilities such as the coach park.
Former Mayor of Ennis, Johnny Flynn served as a Fire Officer in the 1980’s and regularly inspected filling stations.
He’s in favour of what’s known as online service stations, which are built immediately adjacent to the road they serve, so drivers can pull in straight off the motorway.
This development will be an offline service station though and Fine Gael Councillor Flynn fears this will draw people out from surrounding areas, damaging businesses in a number of communities.
One local Councillor disagrees though.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly backed the proposal and insists those using the plaza will be passers-by, who wouldn’t have travelled into Ennis in the first place.
Supermac’s owner Pat McDonagh has said he plans to speak with Clare County Council about a tourist office accompanying the facility.
Councillor Daly believes people passing through the area from other counties may be persuaded to stay in Clare by the offering.
Listen back to the full interview here:
