*Photograph: John Mangan
Additional measures including a parklet have been announced for the Temporary Ennis Town Centre Mobility Plan.
The update is founded on feedback from the public and builds on previous implementation of click and collect spaces, priority parking spaces and additional planters. The mobility plan is a corollary of a highly credited collection of organisations and stakeholders that have assisted the Council in making Ennis a safe and accessible town for business.
President of Ennis Chamber of Commerce, Allen Flynn emphasised that health and safety is paramount in the new mobility plan and that the new measures will take effect this August.
The update addresses three new changes to promote better business within the town. Retractable bollards will be implemented at six different locations: Abbey Street, Francis Street, Salthouse Lane, Cabeys Lane, Bank Place and O’ Connell Street. The purpose of retractable bollards is to enhance visitor experience, improve aesthetics at the entrances to the centre of town and to keep people safe throughout the pandemic.
New signage is another element of the updated plan, with directional signage to be placed at the inner ring route around the town in early August. The purpose of these signs is to identify specific markers within the town and to adequately denote ample parking. The final component to the plan is a parklet that will be installed on a temporary basis. This is a sidewalk extension that will provide more seating and an amicable place to sit and watch the crowds pass by.
“A lot of people have been giving feedback to the Council, a lot of traders have been giving feedback. I often ask customers here about how they feel about the town and they always tell me that they feel safe,” Flynn stated.
He outlined that the parklet has been introduced in cities all over Europe. “It is something that is being done to increase the realm of the town. I welcome that. What is being done, is being done on a temporary basis. It has all been brought about as a result of Covid. If people feel better in the town and it provides better movement throughout the town, then it is a good thing.”
