It’s hoped a review into car parking availability in Ennis will provide a welcome boost in visitor numbers to the town.
Parking byelaws in the county town are set to be re-evaluated, in an attempt to design more short-term parking incentives.
Parking availability was a hot topic at this week’s meeting of Ennis Municipal District, with four motions presented to the executive on the matter.
Concerns were raised that people working in the town are occupying parking spaces for entire days, contributing to congestion on streets including Abbey Street and Parnell Street.
Additional multistorey facilities have been floated as potential measures to increase Ennis’ parking offering, with the hope that increased capacity could eventually lead to lower parking charges.
Clareabbey Fianna Fáil Councillor, Tom O’Callaghan, says increasing turnover in parking spaces is essential for businesses.
A proposed extension to Abbey Street Car Park is being described as an essential civic amenity for the county town.
The plans would involve the construction of an additional open-plan upper level, providing extra parking spaces, as well as a covered area for Christmas markets and other public events.
Mayor of Ennis and Sinn Féin Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle says the development would be designed to complement the town’s existing architecture.
He believes the proposal would attract more visitors to Ennis while also helping to address parking shortages.
Listen to the full interview here:
*Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
