*Gearoid Mannion. Photograph: Tom Micks
SAVE ENNIS TOWN will be holding a public rally in the county town this Saturday in what is expected to be their biggest demonstration in protesting against construction on riverside civic amenities in Ennis.
Organised by Save Ennis Town, the rally begins at 2pm on Saturday at the Daniel O’Connell Monument in the heart of Ennis town. The group is comprised of local traders, public representatives and community members.
Two of the nine transformational projects for the Ennis 2040 strategy include proposals to build on car parks in the town centre, namely Abbey Street and Parnell Street (Harvey’s Quay).
Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion explained, “we’re deeply concerned with the multi storey speculative buildings proposed by Ennis 2040 DAC for two public car parks and the potential impact this will have on the fabric of our town”. He hit out at the “white elephant” in the Market car park which cost €500,000.
Following a silent march in October, Save Ennis Town presented a petition to Clare County Council which contained over 3,700 signature opposing both projects. In the region of 200 people partook in this march.
A bigger turnout is expected this weekend. “There is huge local opposition to these proposed plans and, in the absence of any real or meaningful consultation on the issue, we felt it was important to organise a public rally where the voice of the people can be heard,” Gearoid said.
Mannion insisted that the group was not opposed to all plans of the economic and spatial strategy. “We support positive progress and the future development of Ennis but the images we have seen so far of the proposed developments by the riverside demonstrate the scale of the destruction planned for the heart of our historic town”.
“This is not just about people having a place to park when they come into Ennis to visit shop, socialise or attend medical appointments. Yes, public parking is vitally important to ensure the survival of our small businesses, but we are also talking about the loss of a much loved civic space which brings a vibrancy and life to the centre of the town. Remember the massive outdoor concerts during the Fleadh in 2016 and 2017, the Christmas Markets and home coming events for our county team,” he added.
Ennis 2040 is a big election issue with many constituents raising it at the door steps with candidates vying to win one of the seven seats in the Ennis Municipal District. Gearoid pointed out €2.2m has already been spent by Ennis 2040 DAC “with little or no public consultation to date. This election is a chance for people to have their voice heard by voting for the candidates who are committed to protecting our civic amenities by halting the destruction of our riverside car parks”.
