A majority of Ennis Councillors are now calling for pedestrianisation in the town to be abolished.
However, the current situation will remain in place as the decision on any change lies with the full time staff within the local authority, who are conducting a review.
It’s expected that will lead to changes, once complete, however.
There are seven Ennis-area Councillors and four of them – Johnny Flynn, Clare Colleran Molloy, Mark Nestor and Pat Daly – told a meeting yesterday that they think the time has come to scale back pedestrianisation in the town centre.
Their comments come in light of increased business pressure, with many traders opposed to the current mobility plan which was introduced on an emergency basis in response to the onset of COVID-19.
Other business people, however, are still in favour of pedestrianisation and their position was articulated yesterday, with Councillors Paul Murphy, Mary Howard and Ann Norton all advocating for the plan to remain.
They also stated that COVID-19, and the threat it poses to our society, has not gone away.
There was no vote on foot of yesterday’s discussion – decisions on pedestrianisation are a matter for the Council executive.
They’ve previously committed to a review of the plan, which is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of this month.
That allows the plan to be assessed after the re-opening of schools, and Clare FM understands that some changes are expected to be enacted as a result.
