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Statement on the Temporary Covid-19 Town Centre Mobility Plan for Ennis

20 August 2020

Clare County Council wishes to clarify that the Temporary Covid-19 Town Centre Mobility Plan for Ennis has been introduced solely in response to Covid-19 and in line with Government guidelines on social distancing.

Ennis Town Centre

During the Covid-19 pandemic it is essential to deliver measures to support residents, the business community and all citizens to access Ennis town in a safe, socially distanced environment as the town centre is characterised by narrow streetscapes and interconnected laneways with restrictive footpath widths. 

Ennis Municipal District formed a stakeholder group comprising representatives from businesses, the community and the wider public sector to set objectives and to review the operation of the various elements of the plan in line with Government guidelines around social distancing. The remit of the stakeholder group is specifically and only for the purpose and duration of the Covid-19 crisis.

Clare County Council can confirm that the Temporary Covid-19 Town Centre Mobility Plan for Ennis is not intended to be a permanent measure. The Council further confirms that if, in the future (and outside of Covid-19), there is any proposal around permanent pedestrianisation of any streets in the town, this would be subject to full public consultation. 

Clare County Council has received numerous requests to improve directional signage across the town and 31 directional signs are now being installed on the inner relief road, with work expected to be fully completed in the coming days. This work is being undertaken to improve way-finding, particularly for visitors to the town. Concerns have also been raised regarding the loss of some car parking in the town centre, and as an emergency measure Clare County Council has secured the use of the GAA/Cloister Car Park, which will be operational in the coming weeks once the relevant equipment has been installed and the site is prepared. This will provide approximately 100 car parking spaces. Clare County Council would like to sincerely thank both Clare GAA and Patrick Keogh for kindly allowing Clare County Council to use their property to provide additional parking on a temporary basis during the Covid-19 crisis. The Council was also asked to make the town as attractive as possible and to improve the barriers that prevent cars from entering the town. In that regard, in addition to the planting provided by the Council’s gardening section, retractable bollards are currently being installed to replace the barriers, with Francis Street substantially complete and work on O’Connell Street commencing today.

Content managed by: Ennis Municipal District

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