Council Ends Ennis Pedestrianisation Trial

Ennis Town Council has confirmed that the trial pedestrianisation of Ennis Town Centre has been ended - just six weeks into a six-month trial.

Council Members voted against the continuation of the trial after the business community cited a reduction in business on Saturdays when the streets were closed for six hours to vehicles.

According to Gerard Dollard, Ennis Town Manager: "It is disappointing that the Council could not complete the trial which would have provided a solid base for delivering on one of the core objectives of the Ennis Town Development Plan 2008-2014, namely the pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street and Abbey Street. Review mechanisms had been put in place to assess the effects of the trial on trading and consumer attitudes. However, this review will now not be possible due to the discontinuation of the trial."

Mr. Dollard continued: "The Council is not abandoning our objective of introducing pedestrianisation on a permanent basis as we regard such a move as key to the enhancement of the overall shopping experience in Ennis, as well as the improved safety of pedestrians. The purpose of the trial period was to allow an opportunity for pedestrianisation to be monitored over a short period and allow issues to be addressed. The Council executive remains committed to working with the various parties to find a way to deliver on this important objective for the development of the town."

(NS/KMcA)