*Photograph: John Mangan
PLANS TO DEMOLISH the Francis Street cottages as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy have been paused while a public meeting will be held in Ennis tonight (Thursday) to discuss aspects of the strategy.
In October, Clare County Council acquired the block of cottages on Francis Street. As part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy, it was proposed to demolish six houses on Francis Street to facilitate the construction of a temporary car park at a cost of €1.1m. The plans to knock the properties drew ire from the public and led to a protest attended by over 100 people in the past month taking place.
Speaking on Tuesday, Director of Services at the Ennis Municipal District, Carmel Kirby confirmed that the plans were to be paused. “It’s understandable that public are concerned about the demolition of houses in this time, until such time as a mixed use development is designed, the houses will not be demolished, it is anticipated that there will up to 40 properties will be in the site”.
On the plans for redevelopment at Abbey Street car park, she said, “the existing use of Abbey Street as a public car park will continue for the foreseeable future. A design will be presented in late summer or early autumn”. She outlined that any input from the public will be welcomed.
Meanwhile, a public meeting is to be held on Thursday at The Temple Gate Hotel beginning at 6:30pm sharp organised by the Retailers of Ennis to discuss the potential loss of car parking spaces in the town as a result of the Ennis 2040 Strategy. All county councillors and Clare’s Oireachtas members have been invited to attend Thursday’s gathering.
