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Clare FM

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Radio: Clare FM

Categories: News & Politics

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Two local protest groups are calling for major projects under the Ennis 2040 plan to go before a public vote. Save Ennis Town and the Retailers of Ennis believe a plebiscite should be held to determine the will of the people before progressing any strategic developments that could have major business and civic impacts. A plebiscite is a public vote put before all members of an electoral area to decide a major non-constitutional matter. The term has come into sharp focus as the Ennis 2040 DAC progresses with plans for strategic infrastructure developments at Abbey Street, Francis Street, Harvey's Quay and the Post Office Field. The projects would represent a €45m investment in the county town and promises to deliver over 500 jobs in the construction stage and 200 long-term jobs, as well as enough housing for 300 people. The plans have been met with strong local opposition though, most notably the mixed use office and retail-unit proposed for Abbey Street. This would result in the loss of 128 car parking spaces at the site and a key civic space used most recently for the St.Patrick's Day parade. Retailers of Ennis Chairperson and Owner of Custy's Music Shop, John O'Connor insists the decision to break any further ground on the town's riverside car parks must reside with ordinary citizens. Clare County Council has moved to address any concerns of a potential parking deficit with a new 200 space public car park at the Cloister; just two-hundred metres away from Abbey Street to be completed by the end of the year. The Ennis 2040 DAC also predicts its plans will increase footfall to the town centre by over 20,000 shoppers per week. While the new Ennis Town Bus Service which is due to be operational by next year, would aim to provide twice-hourly trips on multiple routes that would collect commuters from the Tulla Road, Lahinch Road, Clarecastle and Ballymaley. But Save Ennis Town Chairperson and Travel Counsellor Gearóid Mannion believes the car will always be vital to the sucess of local business and believes any projects that could detract from this, should be decided by the people.

Previous episodes

  • 10760 - Protest Groups Call For Plebiscite Ahead Of Abbey Street Development 
    Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • 10759 - Government Urged To "Step Up To The Mark" And Properly Fund Clare Roads Maintenance 
    Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • 10758 - West Bank Human Rights Campaigner To Attend Ennis Event Tonight 
    Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • 10757 - Walk In Measles Vaccine Clinics In Clare Amid Outbreak Fears 
    Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • 10756 - Clare Dáil na nÓg Delegate Speaks Of "Rewarding Experience" Representing County's Youth 
    Thu, 28 Mar 2024
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