*Outgoing President Diarmuid McMahon, Frank Holly (incoming President Ennis Chamber)|| Photo: Mike Mulcaire
BEST known as the owner of Holly’s Pharmacy in Abbey Street Ennis, Frank Holly has broad business interests as the owner or co-owner of five community pharmacies in Clare, Galway and Offaly. He also serves on the board of Vital Pharmacies and is co-owner of The Clare Echo newspaper.
Frank takes over the role of President of Ennis Chamber from Diarmuid McMahon, who has served in that role for the past 18 months.
Frank congratulated Diarmuid on his work as President. During his term as President of Ennis Chamber, Diarmuid championed various infrastructure related initiatives including the ommission of ‘Ennis Residential Zoning Report’, carried out by consultants People & Place.
He also lobbied for the timely upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant at Clareabbey, which is currently at capacity, to allow for the delivery of planned housing.
Looking forward to the year ahead, Frank said, “Ennis Chamber will continue to lobby for infrastructure initiatives including the delivery of residential housing for workers, the delivery of a train-stop at Crusheen, and a rail spur to Shannon Airport, to branch off the main Ennis to Limerick railway line at Cratloe. We will also push for the development of Offshore Wind Energy off Clare’s west coast, linked to development of supporting infrastructure on the Shannon Estuary.”
He added, “With the cost of doing business crippling many SME’s, especially the increase in energy and labour costs, we will advocate for supports for struggling businesses.”
As a town centre-based pharmacist and retailer, Frank is also determined to raise awareness around issues including safety, vacancy and dereliction.
Ennis Chamber will celebrate its centenary next year, and Frank looks forward to working with Ennis Chamber CEO Margaret O’Brien on the delivery of an ambitious programme of events to celebrate that milestone.
