*Photograph: Barry Sutton
A GROUP of Ennis traders took on the might of Dunnes Stores and managed to secure a resolution.
Last month, an electronic barrier was erected by new management of Dunnes Stores at the entrance to its loading bay. The addition of this barrier prevented businesses on Cook’s Lane and O’Connell Street from gaining access.
Businesses had used the route for deliveries for the last forty years with trucks accessing through this point to drop-off items.
In response, Retailers of Ennis manned a protest at the barrier and their efforts led to a meeting with representatives of Dunnes Stores management which resulted in a resolution.
This resolution allows business owners that use the loading bay to call a number to have the barrier lifted when needed.
Chairperson of Retailers of Ennis, John O’Connor, who owns Custy’s Music Shop at Cooks Lane met with two representatives from Dunnes Stores’ head office at a meeting at Mondo in Merchants Square. He stated, “The white smoke of harmony and compromise is wafting over the barrier at this stage”.
A spokesperson for Clare County Council confirmed, “This barrier was not sanctioned or erected by the Local Authority. However, the pedestrian access is still being maintained at this location, as required under the parent planning permission”.
O’Connor warned that if the resolution was not agreed that business closures in Ennis could have been a consequence.
