*PICTURED: The site of the old Ennis National School in Ennis
CLARE County Council has confirmed that Ennis 2040 DAC will be retained with a revised remit which will focus on a smaller number of key development projects including the former Boys National School site.
The announcement follows completion of the independent Strategic Review of Ennis 2040 DAC by Shannon International Development Consultants. The review commissioned by the Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly, concluded there is a strong business case to retain the DAC with the revised remit.
The review of Ennis 2040 DAC took place in tandem with Clare County Council’s proposed variation of the County Development Plan, which recommends omitting proposed projects at the Abbey Street Carpark, Harvey’s Quay Carpark and the Post Office Field from the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy. These Clare County Council owned sites had been advanced by Ennis 2040 DAC on behalf of the Council.
Under the review’s recommendations, the DAC’s focus will be on four core Ennis-based projects: the former Boys National School site, Ashfield House, and in conjunction with Clare County Council, the proposed housing development at Francis Street and activating housing lands at Claureen.
The revised remit brings clarity to the DAC’s purpose and future funding model. The Council has confirmed that to date €6.2 million of the €10 million loan approved for the DAC by the Council has been drawn down and will be repaid when the property assets purchased with the loan are activated. The Council has also clarified that expenditure of €2.6 million on progressing projects associated with Council owned sites at Abbey Street Carpark, Harvey’s Quay Car Park and the Post Office Field were not part of this loan.
Clare County Council will continue its lead role in Ennis town development, supported by Ennis 2040 DAC, which will have a defined responsibility in progressing key sites identified in the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy.
Chief Executive of Clare County Council Gordon Daly said, “This review provides a clear way forward. It supports the retention of Ennis 2040 DAC with a focused remit to progress a number of key strategic sites in Ennis, working in close alignment with Clare County Council. This approach will provide greater clarity on roles, governance and financing, and will support delivery of the council’s strategic objectives.”
Chair of the Ennis 2040 DAC Gerry Cahill welcomed the clarity provided by the strategic review. “The review notes that the DAC structure has proven positive in supporting economic development at named sites and the DAC is particularly effective where there is a focused approach to selected sites and the right specialist expertise is in place. Ennis 2040 now has the opportunity to move forward with clear priorities.”
