*Photograph: Páraic McMahon
ENNISTYMON’s new 48 space car park will help to “boost business” and “ease congestion” in the North Clare town.
On Friday, Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) cut the ribbon as the car park which has been used since the beginning of July was officially opened.
Located in Monastery Lane, the car park provides 48 spaces for residents, visitors and business owners, it is open 24/7. The project has been in the offing since 2019 with planning permission granted in 2022, delays were encountered with efforts to rehouse bats that were present on-site.
The Clare Echo has learned that EV charging points will be installed once a countywide policy is agreed. The initial planning application has provision for two EV spaces but this figure could be increased. Lighting will also be installed at the car park in the coming weeks.
Although the plaque states that the car park was unveiled by Cllr Slattery “in the presence of Gordon Daly, Chief Executive, Clare County Council”, the Tuamgraney native was absent from proceedings on Friday.
Council officials present at the opening included Director of Services for Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty, senior executive officer Eoin Troy, administrative officer John Corry and staff officer Carmel Carey. Cllr Slattery was joined by fellow North Clare representatives, Cllr Shane Talty (FF), Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) and Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) along with West Clare duo Cllr Dinny Gould (IND) and Cllr Michael Shannon (FF).
Cllr Slattery said it was “a great honour as Cathaoirleach to officially open the twenty four hour car park” which he described as “a very welcome development”.
“This facility will ease congestion, improve accessibility, it will make it easier for residents, tourists and businesses to make Ennistymon a vibrant and welcome place,” Bill stated. He said the project has required “vision, persistence and collaboration” to be completed. The project is “part of an ongoing commitment from Clare County Council to improving the infrastructure and accessibility in towns and villages across the county” and “reflects our belief in the town’s future”.
Slattery concluded, “there’s more to do but let’s celebrate a positive step”.
SEO Troy acknowledged the contribution of all his colleagues in getting the project across the line including senior executive officer John O’Malley, John Corry and senior executive technician PJ Carmody. “It has paved the way for a future strategy of providing off-street parking and this will free up spaces to boost business in Ennistymon”.
