The Deputy Mayor of Clare is calling for workers in Ennis to utilise multi-storey car parks in order to free up scores of potential premium spaces for retail customers.
It comes as the Draft Ennis Local Transport Plan, which is now entering its final public consultation week has proposed charging motorists for parking based on their proximity to the town centre.
Under the plan, motorists who park further away from the town centre will be charged less.
Park and Stride hubs would also be set up at strategic locations roughly a 10 minute walk away and will be targeted at workers, with the goal of freeing up prime spaces for shoppers and other short stay visitors.
It comes as a survey has revealed that an average of 390 multi-storey spaces are available in Ennis at all times of the day, due to under use of the Dunnes’ and Market Car Park facilities.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard believes a culture shift of staff parking in multi-storeys would create a retail boost.
The plan has also proposed phased pedestrianisation measures on O’Connell Street, Abbey Street, Francis Street, Salthouse Lane, Bank Place and High Street, which would see vehicular traffic restricted during certain hours.
The Council is also planning to convert a section of the Mill Road into a one way street owing to pedestrian safety concerns.
116 Active Travel Schemes are also proposed under the LTP, with the Gort Road, Tulla Road, Shanaway Round and Clareabbey Roundabout all listed as short term priorities.
Ennis Municipal District Senior Executive Engineer, Éamon O’Dea says it’s vital they receive as much public feedback as possible.
