Protest In Ennis This Weekend To Push For Greater Consultation On Abbey Street Development

Clare FM

A protest taking place in Ennis this weekend will push for greater community consultation on a development which organisers of the demonstration have deemed "insane". A group of retailers, local representatives and community activists are highlighting their opposition to the proposed Abbey Street development as part of the Ennis 2040 Spatial and Economic Strategy. The 'Save Ennis Town' Group, which was formed last May, will be holding the demonstration on Saturday afternoon from 2 o'clock in the Square in Ennis. A key bugbear of the group is the proposed construction of multi-storey mixed-use development on the Abbey Street Car Park, which it's claimed will lead to a loss of a vital civic space, as well as much-needed car parking spaces. According to Ennis 2040 DAC, the development will consist of "a large retail space at ground and first floor levels together with office accommodation on the upper floors" in a building which will "respect and integrate with the existing historical development of Ennis". Save Ennis Town spokesperson and Travel Counsellor, Gearoid Mannion believes there's a risk the building could be left vacant due to a lack of demand. Just last week, Mayor of Ennis Pat Daly suggested an arbitrator figure "like Henry Kissinger" could be brought in to act as an intermediary between Ennis 2040 board members, local representatives and concerned citizens. In a statement to Clare FM, Clare County Council says because the Ennis 2040 plans were voted on by councillors, the project is "a product of thorough deliberation and consultation, designed to meet the evolving needs of our town over the next 16 years". On the Abbey Street Development, the statement says the focus is "to increase town centre footfall by developing business and retail opportunities that will complement the town’s existing offering" AND "it is anticipated 142 permanent jobs will be created" once construction is completed. Save Ennis Town spokesperson and owner of Custy's Music Shop John O'Connor feels the will of the people is being ignored.