Plans for unprecedented investment in “underperforming Ennis” have once again been met with sharp criticism from local protest groups, despite new assurances from the local authority.
It follows a briefing from the Ennis 2040 board at Áras Chontae An Chláir yesterday, which heard the town is falling well behind the likes of Castlebar, Athlone and Tralee.
Ennis needs to “get in the ring and punch with the likes of Galway and Limerick,” according to the CEO of Clare County Council, who he insists projects like the Abbey Street Development will be crucial to achieving this.
Ennis 2040 COO Kevin Corrigan told the council the controversial building, which would remove 128 parking spaces, will deliver 141 jobs, and will turn a profit within seven years of completion.
According to the DAC, over 3,000 adults in Ennis are still living at home with their parents and 32% of all economic activity in the town comes from local residents, with little spending from those outside the county.
Clare Council CEO Pat Dowling says the Abbey Street building will be fitted out for a modern corporate entity and such facilities will be vital to address the plight of underperforming Ennis.
You can listen to the full interview here:
Despite assurances that no development will begin on Abbey Street or Harvey’s Quay until alternative town centre parking has been provided, one member of Save Ennis Town is not convinced by the council’s promises.
Green Party local election candidate, Bridget Ginnity believes the sites should be repurposed as civic or recreational spaces, and claims there’s no demand for a large retail development by the riverside.
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At the Post Office Field, the Ennis 2040 DAC is planning to build an elevated boardwalk over the River Fergus.
It’s claimed the development will provide the equivalent of €7m in health benefits, with a study carried by AECOM stating the new place to socialise and exercise will significantly reduce mortality rates and workplace absenteeism.
But ‘Hands Off Our Post Office Field’ member, Bernie O’Gorman believes building there will inevitably harm the ecosystem’s unique wildlife.
You can listen to the full interview here:
